Special
Hypnotic Clambake Lyrics
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And there’s a fine line between believing
And making yourself believe
In something
Or someone, special
Well it's along line you've been stringing on
And it's a strong vine you've been swinging on
But your branches are weak
are nothing, special
Here's a special delivery with your name on it
No return address, you probably don't even want it
Cool
Real cool, do what I'm suppose to do
To find a new thing, a new one
Special
I sent you it, don't mention it
It was nothing and you're nothing, special
The lyrics of Hypnotic Clambake's song "Special" are a meditation on the nature of belief and value in relationships. The song follows a protagonist who has been left by their lover, and is now coming to terms with the fact that the romance they thought they had was not as meaningful as they once believed. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer acknowledging that there is a "fine line" between what is true and what people would like to believe. The theme of belief is further explored in the next lines, where the singer acknowledges that people have to "make themselves believe in something or someone special."
The song then takes a turn, with the singer recognizing that their former partner was not actually as special as they make them out to be. The lines "it's a long line you've been stringing on, and it's a strong vine you've been swinging on, but your branches are weak cause the romances you seek are nothing, special" suggest that the singer has realized that their former lover was not worth the effort they put into the relationship. The song concludes with the singer taking a somewhat bitter tone, telling their former lover that they are "nothing, special."
Line by Line Meaning
Well it's a fine time you picked to leave me
You have chosen an inappropriate moment to leave me.
And there’s a fine line between believing
A narrow distinction exists between believing and not believing.
And making yourself believe
It is possible to convince oneself of something that may not be true.
In something
Aspiring to have faith in something.
Or someone, special
Seeking something or someone that is unique and distinct.
Well it's along line you've been stringing on
You have been maintaining a prolonged deception or misleading someone.
And it's a strong vine you've been swinging on
You have put in considerable effort to maintain this deception.
But your branches are weak
Your pretenses and efforts are not strong enough to cover your true nature.
'Cause the romances you seek
You have been pursuing romantic interests.
are nothing, special
However, none of these interests are anything unique or unique.
Here's a special delivery with your name on it
I am presenting something to you that is intended especially for you.
No return address, you probably don't even want it
However, you may not be interested in receiving it.
Cool
Everything is satisfactory and pleasant.
Real cool, do what I'm suppose to do
I am just doing my duty, and everything is under control.
To find a new thing, a new one
I am looking for something different, something out of the ordinary.
Special
I am searching for something that is unique and distinct.
I sent you it, don't mention it
I have given you what I intended, so there is no need to thank me.
It was nothing and you're nothing, special
What I have given you is of little value, and you yourself are not unique.
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.