Kidding
Imogen Heap Lyrics
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That money can buy
Laden with assets to make an impression
On a stranger's eye
And he lives in a palace
Surrounded by roses in a perfect picture
He's in deep with the shallow
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you everything
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you anything
Who are you kidding mister?
I'm so happy that i could sing, yeah
Nobody, you're kidding nobody
Nobody but you
A dinner with twenty people you hate
And they're hating you more
Talking politely, it's all a show
Tell me what is it for?
And your laugh is tale-telling
They follow but you know you're not a funny man
The truth is the meaning
And your life is that you wouldn't have one
If you were poor
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you everything
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you anything
Who are you kidding mister?
I'm so happy that i could sing, yeah
Nobody, you're kidding nobody
Nobody but you
Yeah. . .
Such a shame, sir
Such a shame
Such a shame
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you everything, yeah
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you anything
Who are you kidding mister?
I'm so happy that i could sing, yeah
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Nobody but yourself
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Nobody but yourself
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Nobody but yourself
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Nobody but yourself
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
Nobody but yourself
Nobody. . .
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you everything
Who are you kidding mister?
I can give you anything
Who are you kidding mister?
I'm so happy that i could sing
Nobody, kidding nobody
Nobody but you
Nobody, kidding nobody
Nobody but you
Nobody, you're kidding nobody
Nobody but you
The lyrics to Imogen Heap's song "Kidding" are a critique of those who are obsessed with wealth, power, and status symbols. The figure described in the first verse is someone who appears to have everything, yet is ultimately empty inside. He has built a palace and surrounded himself with roses to create a perfect picture, but he is unable to see the sky because of the façade he has created. The chorus repeatedly asks this figure, "who are you kidding?" suggesting that his wealth and status are an act that he puts on for the benefit of others.
The second verse further illustrates the emptiness of the figure's life. He attends dinners with people he hates and who hate him in return, obsessing over appearances and "tale-telling" laughter. His life is driven by the pursuit of wealth and status, but in reality, he would have nothing if he were not wealthy. The repeated refrain of "nobody but yourself" suggests that the figure is ultimately fooling no one but himself.
Overall, the song is a critique of the shallow pursuit of wealth and status, and the idea that these things can bring true happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
A figure dressed in the finest attire
A person who dresses in the most expensive and fashionable clothing
That money can buy
That can be purchased with the wealthy person's money
Laden with assets to make an impression
Carrying things to impress and influence strangers
On a stranger's eye
To be noticed by someone who doesn't know them
And he lives in a palace
The wealthy person resides in a lavish palace
Surrounded by roses in a perfect picture
Picturesquely placed amidst flower arrangements
He's in deep with the shallow
Involved with meaningless and superficial things
He's fading cause he can't see the sky
He is losing himself and his true self, ignoring the beauty of the world around him
Who are you kidding mister?
Who are you trying to deceive?
I can give you everything
I can provide everything you want
I can give you anything
I can offer you anything you desire
I'm so happy that I could sing, yeah
I am content and joyful
Nobody, you're kidding nobody
You can't trick anyone with your facade
Nobody but you
Only yourself are being tricked by your show
A dinner with twenty people you hate
The wealthy person is engaging in festivities with people they do not even like
And they're hating you more
The others in the gathering might dislike the wealthy person even more
Talking politely, it's all a show
The conversation is just a play, pretending to be civil
Tell me what is it for?
Asking the motive behind such a meaningless act
And your laugh is tale-telling
Your laughter betrays your insincere vibe
They follow but you know you're not a funny man
People fake laugh at your jokes to appease you, but you know they are not humorous
The truth is the meaning
The real meaning is the truth
And your life is that you wouldn't have one
Without money, the wealthy person would be miserable
If you were poor
If you did not have wealth
Yeah, such a shame, sir
It is regretful, sir
Who are you kidding mister?
Who do you think you are fooling?
Nobody but yourself
No one but you is being deceived by your pretenses
Nobody, nobody, nobody, nobody
No one but yourself
Nobody, you're kidding nobody
Your charade is clear to everyone
Nobody, kidding nobody
Your act does not joke or fool anyone
Nobody but you
Only you are part of your masquerade
Contributed by Jordyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lia C
Immy's lyrics are never "in deep with the shallow" and love, love, love her gorgeous piano playing - my idea of a musical gem.
blackhorizon135
I love this song!!!
Quentin H
I love how each live recording is a bit different structurally
Princesa Caroço
Her voice is very different here. 😯😯
Lily
i love herrr
Jelena Arsić
<3