Television
Hans Zimmer Henning Lohner Martin Tillman Lyrics
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How could this be, it's me on channel 3
Shiny shoes, and shiny hair
My stylist told me what to wear
She said to smile and look real thin
Oh woah oh woah
Is anybody watching me?
Is anybody holding on me?
Am I wasting my time?
I want it, you need it
Come on baby, let's conceive it
If I fail, will you try?
Oh, no! Don't turn the channel off
Knock, knock, that's me on the other side
Put your hand on the screen, that's me you see
I'm trapped behind this glass
I'm trapped right in a box
But that that's me, right on the the tele-v
The lyrics to "Television" touch on the intersection of fame, self-doubt, and the persistent need for attention. The persona in the song marvels at their own appearance on the television, likely in a celebrity context, but also seems conflicted about the experience. They ask if anyone is watching them and if their appearance on TV is worth it, suggesting that perhaps they feel trapped behind the screen. The second half of the song takes on a more desperate tone, with the persona pleading with the audience to keep watching and engaging with them. They ask for support and assurance that they are not wasting their time.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me, I'm on the tele-v
I am currently being broadcasted on television
How could this be, it's me on channel 3
I can't believe that I am on channel 3 right now
Shiny shoes, and shiny hair
I am carefully styled to look presentable on television
My stylist told me what to wear
My stylist advised me on what clothes to wear for this appearance
She said to smile and look real thin
My stylist instructed me to maintain a slim figure and smile while being broadcasted
Is anybody watching me?
I wonder if anyone is currently tuning in to watch me on television
Or will I disappear?
I fear that I'll be forgotten by my viewers shortly after my appearance
Is anybody holding on me?
I feel lost and unimportant, wondering if anyone out there values me or this appearance
Am I wasting my time?
I'm starting to question whether this appearance truly benefits me or not
I want it, you need it
I desire this appearance, but you require it (potentially referring to the audience)
Come on baby, let's conceive it
Let's create something worthwhile from this experience
If I fail, will you try?
If I am unsuccessful, are you willing to take on this challenge instead?
Oh, no! Don't turn the channel off
Please don't change the channel and stop watching me
Knock, knock, that's me on the other side
I'm reaching out to you from the other side of the television screen
Put your hand on the screen, that's me you see
I want to establish a connection with you through this screen, this is still me you're watching
I'm trapped behind this glass
I feel confined and unable to break out of this cycle of appearing on television
I'm trapped right in a box
I'm metaphorically trapped within the constraints of being a TV persona
But that that's me, right on the the tele-v
Regardless of my feelings, I am still the same person you see on television
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: MARK THOMAS KLUEPFEL, BRIAN K DIAZ, DERRICK WILLIAM SHERMAN, KAPLAN DAVID SULLIVAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind