A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020, John Flansburgh suggested to John Linnell that the two create solo releases during lockdown. Roman Songs, a four track EP, released on July 2, 2021.
New Hampshire
John Linnell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Longing to be asked inside
Until someone sees
Being polite
Though scared to death
They let me in
Woman wonders who's your itchy friend
Woman says, "I thought he was with you"
They slowly back away from him
At best he's very interesting
His brushes with success were just an accident
No one likes New Hampshire man
Broken-hearted old man of New Hampshire
Flower-sniffing poet of New Hampshire
Charming witty drunk
Gate-crashing parasite
Self-pitying, embittered
Morose New Hampshire man
Woman wonders who's your itchy friend
Woman says, "I thought he was with you"
Woman says, "I thought he was with you"
They slowly back away from him
At best he's very interesting
His brushes with success were just an accident
No one likes New Hampshire man
No one likes New Hampshire man
The song "New Hampshire" by John Linnell is a humorous and satirical commentary on a stereotypical outcast figure from the state of New Hampshire. The lyrics describe a man who is yearning for acceptance and trying to be polite, yet is constantly shunned by those around him. The first verse describes the man sitting outside a window, hoping to be invited inside, and the second verse portrays him as an "itchy friend" who is awkwardly tolerated by a group of women.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the man's social isolation and lack of popularity among his peers. The repetition of the line "No one likes New Hampshire man" drives home the message of the song. The third and final verse lists off various characteristics that the man possesses, such as being a broken-hearted old man, a flower-sniffing poet, a charming drunk, and a self-pitying, embittered individual.
Despite the somewhat harsh portrayal of this character, the song also demonstrates a sense of empathy and understanding for those who may not fit in with mainstream society. Through its humorous and exaggerated lyrics, "New Hampshire" highlights the universal desire for acceptance and social belonging.
Overall, "New Hampshire" is a clever and witty song that uses satire to comment on societal norms and the pressures to conform. While it specifically references the state of New Hampshire and its supposed isolation and quirkiness, the themes and messages of the song are applicable to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I sit outside the window
I am sitting outside the window, waiting for an invitation to come inside.
Longing to be asked inside
I wish someone would invite me in.
Until someone sees
I will continue to wait until someone sees me outside.
Being polite
Even if they don't want to let me in, people will act polite and invite me in anyways.
Though scared to death
Despite my fear of being rejected, I still hope someone will let me in.
They let me in
Eventually someone will take pity on me and invite me inside.
Woman wonders who's your itchy friend
A woman is curious about my strange companion.
Woman says, "I thought he was with you"
The woman is confused because she thought my companion was already with me.
They slowly back away from him
People are uncomfortable around my companion and start to distance themselves from him.
At best he's very interesting
While some people find him intriguing, he is still an outsider.
His brushes with success were just an accident
Although he has had some success, it was mostly unintentional.
No one likes New Hampshire man
People do not seem to have a favorable opinion of individuals from New Hampshire.
Broken-hearted old man of New Hampshire
I am an old man from New Hampshire and I am grieving.
Flower-sniffing poet of New Hampshire
I am a poet from New Hampshire who likes to spend time smelling flowers.
Charming witty drunk
I am a likable and humorous alcoholic.
Gate-crashing parasite
I am not welcome, but I still try to insert myself into social situations.
Self-pitying, embittered
I feel sorry for myself and harbor resentment towards others.
Morose New Hampshire man
I am a sad and gloomy individual from New Hampshire.
No one likes New Hampshire man
People do not seem to have a favorable opinion of individuals from New Hampshire.
No one likes New Hampshire man
People do not seem to have a favorable opinion of individuals from New Hampshire.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN LINNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Bias
I think John Linnell comes across as fettered, held back, like he has more to say, more instruments to use, more tracks to put on tape.
I hope you reach your Zen. (but not before writing millions more songs)
Luke Hennisch
This isn’t my favorite song, but I do think it is the best song. Ever written.
Chud Spannaday
I think I know exactly what you mean...
Jacquie Cotillard
An epic in microcosm to be sure