Funnyman, the fourth track on Drastic Fantastic, is perhaps one of the most… Read Full Bio ↴Funnyman, the fourth track on Drastic Fantastic, is perhaps one of the most obvious examples of the "drastic" shift in sound that exemplifies Tunstall's second full-length album.

Although the lyrics and singing are easily recognizable as Tunstall's carefully-crafted own, Funnyman features a staccato reggae-like strumming style which was so far unfamiliar to her fans. The addition of mandolin and electric organ fills make this one of the poppier numbers on the album.

It isn't a total departure, nonetheless. The lyrics are introspective and revelatory, and lines like "And all the damage you do / It is so honest and true / I don't want to feel sorry for you" lead listeners to think that she might plausibly be eulogizing a past relationship with a "funnyman" — an emotionally-distant, glib lover, if one were to believe her side of the story whole-heartedly.

Funnyman
KT Tunstall Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Locked inside your head
Do you realize the things you said never made sense?
We can sit here and laugh
But we don't know the half of it, in your defense
We've been talking a while
And it seems to me each time you smile,
Lights are coming on
But they don't burn too strong

And they won't stay for long
And then they're gone again

[Chorus:]
Funnyman, gotta plan for the something wonderful
Funnyman, listening to the world turning on itself
Tuning into a brand new universe

Funnyman, you'll never be anything else

Do you remember the night
When I had to play your angel, saving your soul?
Even though you were holding on tight
Part of you was taken by your demons below
And with no more to lose
You said you feel like a bruise on a beautiful body
And all the damage you do
It is so honest and true...I don't want to feel sorry for you

Funnyman, gotta plan for the something wonderful
Funnyman, listening to the world turning on itself

Tuning into a brand new universe
Funnyman, you'll never be anything else

Overall Meaning

The opening lines 'Locked inside your head, do you realize the things you said never made sense?' kickstarts this song with an appeal to the listener to pay attention to the words of the 'funnyman'. The lyrics delve into understanding the man behind the humor, his pain, and the crippling effect of his demons. Each smile and funny comment that he makes gives a temporary glimpse into the positive side of his personality but it is often quickly overpowered by his negative thoughts, hence the line 'lights are coming on, but they don't burn too strong and they won't stay for long, and then they're gone again'.

The chorus provides a brief but powerful confirmation of the 'Funnyman's' potential for greatness, and his ability to rise above his current situation. The phrase "gotta plan for something wonderful" speaks to his willpower to transform his current situation and create a better future for himself. In the end, the song concludes by insisting that he will never be anything else other than the Funnyman, who hides his pain through his humor.

Overall, this song touches on a poignant message: every human being, no matter how happy or funny they seem, have their demons, their past, and their struggles, and it's important to acknowledge them and support each other. The 'Funnyman' may seem happy on the outside, but his inner struggle is real, which is why the song calls for a better understanding of those people who groom themselves into 'the life of the party.'

Line by Line Meaning

Locked inside your head
You are trapped in your own thoughts and emotions

Do you realize the things you said never made sense?
You don't understand your own words and actions

We can sit here and laugh
We can joke about your behavior

But we don't know the half of it, in your defense
We are not aware of what you have been through

We've been talking a while
We have had conversations before

And it seems to me each time you smile,
Every time you smile

Lights are coming on
You are becoming more aware of your surroundings

But they don't burn too strong
Your awareness is not consistent

And they won't stay for long
Your awareness doesn't last

And then they're gone again
You're back to being unaware

Funnyman, gotta plan for the something wonderful
You have aspirations for something great