Kill the Man Who Questions was a punk rock band from Philadelphia, PA (USA)… Read Full Bio ↴Kill the Man Who Questions was a punk rock band from Philadelphia, PA (USA). The group played its first show in October 1996 and its final show about 20 blocks east in 2002, having released a full-length album and several seven-inches, touring the U.S. and Europe in between.

Mike and Andrew went on to form Amateur Party after KTMWQ's breakup. Jeremy played drums in Jai Alai Savant. Andrew had formerly played guitar in DisSucks, and also played bass in Limp Wrist.

Coatrack
Kill the Man Who Questions Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Your exclusion doesn't need to be proven because it's how I feel, No, how you make me feel. From that first time, that "hold my stuff" line. How it made me feel, no, how you make me feel. Is it my job just to hold your arm, to smile and nod? Just a pair of tits, your waifish sidekick? That's how you make me feel. So, with a pink ribbon on your birthday, you're made to feel it was your worst day too.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kill the Man Who Questions's song Coatrack are a commentary on the power dynamics in a relationship that is unequal. The first line, "Your exclusion doesn't need to be proven because it's how I feel," suggests that the singer's feelings are enough to justify their actions, regardless of whether or not they are fair or justified. The line "No, how you make me feel" further emphasizes the idea that the singer is a victim in this situation and that their emotions are beyond their control.

The second verse is more specific in its criticism of the other person's behavior. The line "Is it my job just to hold your arm, to smile and nod?" suggests that the singer is being asked to perform a certain gender role, one that is subservient and unfulfilling. The line "Just a pair of tits, your waifish sidekick?" further emphasizes the idea that the other person sees the singer as nothing more than an accessory, a prop to be used in their own social climbing.

Finally, the line "So, with a pink ribbon on your birthday, you're made to feel it was your worst day too" is an indictment of the way that women are often subjected to emotional abuse and manipulation in relationships. The singer is suggesting that the other person is manipulating them into feeling guilty for something that they did not do, and that this behavior is typical of a toxic relationship. The song as a whole is a powerful statement about the need for equality and respect in all relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Your exclusion doesn't need to be proven because it's how I feel
I don't need to explain or justify why I feel excluded, it's just how I feel

No, how you make me feel. From that first time, that "hold my stuff" line. How it made me feel, no, how you make me feel.
It's not just about that one instance, but it's about how you consistently make me feel

Is it my job just to hold your arm, to smile and nod?
Am I only here to be your accessory and not have my own opinions or agency?

Just a pair of tits, your waifish sidekick? That's how you make me feel.
You reduce me to just being a sexual object and a supporting character in your life

So, with a pink ribbon on your birthday, you're made to feel it was your worst day too.
Even on your birthday, where it should be about celebrating you, you still manage to make it about yourself and my feelings are disregarded

Contributed by Lillian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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