A graduate of St. Andrew's School, Wainwright is best known for a 1972 novelty song hit Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road), with pianist Teddy Wender and for playing Captain Spalding (the "singing surgeon") on three episodes of the American television show M*A*S*H in its third season (1974-1975), but his musical reputation is much deeper. Using a witty, self-mocking style, Wainwright has recorded over twenty albums on eleven different labels. Two of his albums have been nominated for Grammy awards.
He is also a regular actor in Judd Apatow movies. His biggest role was playing the father on Judd's show, Undeclared.
In 2012 his latest offering Older Than My Old Man Now was released.
Official website : http://www.lwiii.com/
One Man Guy
Loudon Wainwright III Lyrics
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When they see this show
The kind of a guy I am
They'll understand what I stand for
And what I just can't stand
They'll perceive what I believe in
What I know is true
And they'll recognize I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy in the morning
I'm the same in the afternoon
One man guy when the sun goes down
I whistle me a one man tune
I'm a one man guy a one man guy
Only kind of guy to be
I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy is me
I'm a one man kind of a guy
People meditate
Hey that's just great
Trying to find the inner you
People depend on family and friends
And other folks to pull them through
I don't know why I'm a one man guy
Or why this is a one man show
But these three cubic feet of bone and blood and meat are what I love and know
I'm a one man guy in the morning
I'm the same in the afternoon
One man guy when the sun goes down
I whistle me a one man tune
I'm a one man guy a one man guy
Only kind of guy to be
I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy is me
I'm a one man kind of a guy
I'm gonna bathe and shave
And dress myself and eat solo every night
Unplug the phone, sleep alone
Stay way out of sight
Sure it's kind of lonely
Yeah it's sort of sick
Being your own one and only
Is a selfish dirty trick
I'm a one man guy in the morning
I'm the same in the afternoon
One man guy when the sun goes down
I whistle me a one man tune
One man guy a one man guy
Only kind of guy to be
I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy
I'm a one man guy is me
I'm a one man guy
The lyrics to Loudon Wainwright III's song "One Man Guy" are a declaration of individuality and self-sufficiency. The singer asserts that he is a "one man guy" through and through, and that others will understand his values and beliefs when they see him "show" them. He marvels that other people meditate and depend on family and friends to get through life, but he himself is content to be alone. He loves and knows his own body, mind, and soul, and this is enough for him.
The repetition of the phrase "one man guy" throughout the song reinforces the singer's commitment to his individuality. He is a "one man guy" no matter the time of day, and he identifies as this type of person because it is who he truly is. He loves his own quirks and habits, and while he acknowledges that being his own "one and only" can be "kind of lonely" and "sort of sick," it is ultimately a fulfilling and honest way of life for him.
Wainwright's song speaks to the importance of being true to oneself and not relying on others for validation or comfort. It celebrates the uniqueness of the singer's personality and values, and suggests that others will respect and appreciate him for them.
Line by Line Meaning
People will know
Others can see who I am
When they see this show
When they observe my behavior
The kind of a guy I am
My personality and qualities
They'll understand what I stand for
They will comprehend my beliefs
And what I just can't stand
And also my dislikes
They'll perceive what I believe in
They will be aware of my convictions
What I know is true
What I am convinced is authentic
And they'll recognize I'm a one man guy
And they will acknowledge I am self-sufficient
Always was through and through
This was always my way of being
I'm a one man guy in the morning
I do not need anyone to start my day
I'm the same in the afternoon
My personality does not change
One man guy when the sun goes down
I am self-reliant even in the evening
I whistle me a one man tune
I even entertain myself without others
Only kind of guy to be
Being a self-sufficient person is the only way for me
I'm a one-man guy
I am fully self-sufficient
I don't know why I'm a one-man guy
I don't understand why I am this way
Or why this is a one-man show
Or why I am always self-sufficient
But these three cubic feet of bone and blood and meat
This physical body and nothing else
Are what I love and know
Are what I am passionate about and familiar with
I'm gonna bathe and shave
I am capable of taking care of myself
And dress myself and eat solo every night
And do these things alone without needing anyone
Unplug the phone, sleep alone
Unplugging the phone and sleeping alone is something I prefer
Stay way out of sight
And not wanting to be around people
Sure, it's kind of lonely
Yes, it can be isolating
Yeah, it's sort of sick
Some may view it as disturbing
Being your own one and only
Being independent and self-sufficient
Is a selfish dirty trick
Is often seen as selfish and uncivilized
One man guy a one man guy
Emphasizing the fact that I am self-sufficient
I'm a one-man guy
I do not depend on anyone else
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LOUDON WAINWRIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind