Dishes
Jeff Rosenstock Lyrics
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I am the man who stays home and does the dishes.
& how was your day?
Is that woman still trying to do your head in?
A man told me to beware of 33.
He said, "It was not an easy time for me" but I'll get through even though
I've got no miracles to show you.
but it's impossible.
I've got to get these dishes dry.
I'll read a story if it helps you sleep at night.
I've got some matches if you ever need a light.
Oh I am just a man
but I am doing what I can to help you.
And I'm not worried that I will never touch the stars
'cause stars belong up in heaven
And the earth is where we are.
Oh yeah.
And I feel happy just to be alive.
And that seems possible.
You've got no Cross to bear tonight. Ah
No not tonight, Ah.
No not tonight, Ah.
I am not Jesus though I have the same initials.
The lyrics of Jeff Rosenstock's song "Dishes" paint a poignant and introspective picture of the role of the individual in society. The opening line "I am not Jesus though I have the same initials" ironically sets the tone for the song, contrasting the significance of the religious figure with the mundane task of doing dishes. The line implies that the singer is not a savior, but an ordinary person who is not seeking grandeur or admiration. Instead, he finds fulfillment in performing his duty at home - doing the dishes - and taking care of his loved ones.
The singer seems deeply empathetic towards his partner, asking "How was your day?" and inquiring about the person who's been bothering her. He acknowledges that life can be difficult, citing the ominous warning of the man who told him to beware of age 33, stating that he will get through tough times even without producing miracles. He then jokingly references the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine, saying that he would like to do the same, but is occupied with getting the dishes dry. He offers himself as a helping hand, offering to read her a story or lend her a light.
The last line of the song encapsulates the singer's outlook on life: "I am not worried that I will never touch the stars 'cause stars belong up in heaven And the earth is where we are. Oh yeah. And I feel happy just to be alive." He finds joy in simple, everyday moments and is content with his place in the world. This song celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of individuals performing ordinary tasks in their daily lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I am not Jesus though I have the same initials
I am not a religious figure, but my initials spell out 'J.C.'
I am the man who stays home and does the dishes.
I am not the breadwinner of the household, but take care of the domestic duties.
& how was your day?
Can you tell me about your day?
Is that woman still trying to do your head in?
Is that woman still causing you trouble?
A man told me to beware of 33.
Someone warned me of the difficulties of being 33 years old.
He said, "It was not an easy time for me" but I'll get through even though I've got no miracles to show you.
He explained that his past experiences were challenging, but he persevered through them even though he has nothing miraculous to show for his struggles.
I'd like to make this water wine but it's impossible.
I wish I could perform miracles like Jesus, but I can't.
I've got to get these dishes dry.
I need to finish my domestic duties.
I'll read a story if it helps you sleep at night.
If you need help sleeping at night, I can read you a bedtime story.
I've got some matches if you ever need a light.
If you ever need help lighting something, I have some matches.
Oh I am just a man but I am doing what I can to help you.
I may not be extraordinary, but I am doing everything within my abilities to assist you.
And I'm not worried that I will never touch the stars 'cause stars belong up in heaven And the earth is where we are. Oh yeah.
I am not concerned that I can't reach the stars, because they aren't meant for humans - they belong in the heavens where they can shine upon us.
And I feel happy just to be alive. And that seems possible.
I am content with simply being alive - this alone makes me feel content and satisfied with my life.
You've got no Cross to bear tonight. Ah No not tonight, Ah. No not tonight, Ah.
You have no burdens to face tonight.
I am not Jesus though I have the same initials.
I may have the same initials as a religious figure, but I am nothing like them.
Contributed by Evelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.