In many of her songs, she incorporates humor into a narrative, some tracks ultimately becoming catchy anecdotes. Generally, her songs are unconventionally folk-like, using horn arrangements not found in tracks recorded by mainstream artists. Sobule also uses both satire and experience to sing about sexuality, depression, war, abandonment, and creed.
Freshman
Jill Sobule Lyrics
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I still have a roommate
I even moved to Brooklyn
I still need a roommate
I bet you didn't know
I don't make much for this show
And when I go home
I cook on a hot plate
Unless I order pizza
You should see the boxes
This was my dream when I was 13
And now that it's true
I wish I was you
You don't have a roommate
You own your own building
You have a flat-screen TV
You never followed your dreams
They're not what they seem
They're never what they seem [Repeats]
I live like a freshman
I still have a roommate
We walk to the Laundry
The lyrics of the song “Freshman” by Jill Sobule paint a picture of the humbling experience of the artist after achieving her dream of becoming a musician. Sobule reveals that despite having a successful career in music, she has been unable to escape the trappings of her early years as a college freshman. She confesses that she still lives with a roommate in Brooklyn and cooks her meals on a hot plate. The expression “live like a freshman” implies that she still lives on a tight budget, just like most college students.
Sobule goes on to lament that she doesn’t make much from her shows. Her tone suggests that she is not complaining but rather informing the listener of the realities of pursuing a career in music. The line, “And now that it's true, I wish I was you,” suggests that although music was once her dream, the challenges that come with the industry have taken a toll on her. The following line, “You don't have a roommate, You own your own building,” further suggests that Sobule wishes she had taken a different path.
In conclusion, “Freshman” is a classic Jill Sobule song, in which she discusses the highs and lows of her career. She acknowledges that despite her success, some things never change, and she still struggles to make ends meet. The song can be interpreted to mean that sometimes the things we desire most may not be what they seem.
Line by Line Meaning
I live like a freshman
Despite being a successful musician, I still live modestly and share living space, much like a college freshman.
I still have a roommate
I have not attained the level of financial stability that would allow me to live alone.
I even moved to Brooklyn
I made the choice to move to a more affordable location, regardless of the sacrifices in space or amenities.
I still need a roommate
My living expenses are such that it would be difficult to survive without splitting bills with another person.
I bet you didn't know
This is likely not what you expected of a successful musician.
I don't make much for this show
Despite performing regularly, I do not earn a substantial income from my music career.
And when I go home
Even after touring or performing, my living situation remains the same.
I still have a roommate
My financial situation does not allow me to live alone.
I cook on a hot plate
Due to the limited resources in my modest living quarters, I cannot cook elaborate meals.
Unless I order pizza
In lieu of having a proper kitchen, ordering pizza is the easiest option for food.
You should see the boxes
The evidence of my takeout habit is visible in the piles of pizza boxes in my apartment.
This was my dream when I was 13
Despite the challenges, being a musician and living in New York was something I aspired to from a young age.
And now that it's true
Though it has come with its own difficulties, I have achieved the dream I set out for myself.
I wish I was you
Despite any hardships or struggles you may face, I envy the financial stability and amenities that you have.
You don't have a roommate
It seems likely that you are financially secure enough to live alone.
You own your own building
You have reached an even higher level of financial success, allowing you to own property.
You have a flat-screen TV
Your comfortable financial situation allows for luxury items such as a flat-screen TV.
You never followed your dreams
It seems you have prioritized stability and comfort over pursuing your own aspirations.
They're not what they seem
While my situation may not be glamorous, I am proud to have pursued my dream and live life on my own terms.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: EATON SOBULE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind