The Ass and the Hole
Mac McAnally Lyrics
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It's hard to figure out
Is any body out there talkin
Has a clue what they're talking a bout
There's twisted trends and psychic friends and tabloid UFOs
The wisest man with the best laid plans might
still say I don't know
What do you think? I say well...
They must not be that different
The ass and the hole in the ground
They often are mistaken for each other I have found
Oh and life rewards the ones who try un til they
got it down
The difference be tween the ass and the hole in
the ground
Politics and OJ, Every body's heard e nough
But no amount of talking can change a mind that's been made up
We got Presidential pillow talk, they know just what to say
Whatever side you're on, one thing's for certain either way
They must not be that different
The ass and the hole in the ground
They often are mis taken for each other I have found
Oh and life rewards the ones who try un til they
got it (Em) down
The difference be tween the ass and the (D7) hole in
the ground
In the morning paper, in the evening news
It seems so easy to tell
When the Lord looks down on the things we do
He might get angry and he might say well
They must not be that different
Life rewards the ones who try until they got it down
The difference between the ass the hole,
Yeah their ass and a hole
The ass and the hole in the ground
Mac McAnally's song "The Ass and the Hole" is a commentary on the confusion of the modern age. He questions if anyone is really talking with clarity or if they even know what they are truly talking about. McAnally points out the prevalence of mixed messages, such as twisted trends, psychic friends, and tabloid UFOs that inundate our daily lives. Even the wisest man with the best-laid plans may still admit to not knowing it all. Despite the confusion, McAnally encourages listeners with the chorus, saying that the difference between an ass and a hole might be hard to discern, but that those who keep trying are rewarded.
In the second verse, McAnally turns to politics and the controversial figure of OJ Simpson, acknowledging that no amount of talking could change the minds of those who have already made up their minds about these issues. Presidential pillow talk is referenced as a means of sway, further emphasizing the lack of clarity in the messages conveyed. Regardless of what side one is on, McAnally points out that the difference between the ass and the hole is not as clear-cut as it may seem.
In the final verse, McAnally suggests that discerning between an ass and a hole is not always clear, but those who keep trying will be rewarded. He suggests that perhaps, from a higher perspective, the difference between the two might be less significant than we think.
Line by Line Meaning
This modern age we live in
The current society we live in
It's hard to figure out
It's difficult to comprehend
Is any body out there talkin
Are there any individuals communicating
Has a clue what they're talking a bout
Possess knowledge concerning the topic they are discussing
There's twisted trends and psychic friends and tabloid UFOs
Popular opinions and beliefs that may lack factual basis
The wisest man with the best laid plans might still say I don't know
Even the most knowledgeable individual may not have all the answers
What do you think? I say well...
Asking for opinion on the previous statements, followed by personal input
They must not be that different
Comparing two things that are similar
The ass and the hole in the ground
Referring to donkeys and excavated soil
They often are mistaken for each other I have found
Not easily recognizable from afar
Oh and life rewards the ones who try un til they got it down
Success comes to individuals who persist
The difference be tween the ass and the hole in the ground
Despite similarities, there is a distinction between the two
Politics and OJ, Every body's heard e nough
Political discussions and OJ Simpson's trials are over-saturated topics in the media
But no amount of talking can change a mind that's been made up
Once an opinion is formed, it's challenging to alter that mindset
We got Presidential pillow talk, they know just what to say
Leaders are skilled at speaking persuasively
Whatever side you're on, one thing's for certain either way
Regardless of belief, there are absolutes
In the morning paper, in the evening news
Media outlets
It seems so easy to tell
Information is easily accessible
When the Lord looks down on the things we do
A reference to a higher power's perception
He might get angry and he might say well
Belief that a positive or negative reaction might occur due to action
The difference between the ass the hole,
The disparity between two entities
Yeah their ass and a hole
Donkeys and excavated soil
The ass and the hole in the ground
Referring to donkeys and excavated soil
Writer(s): Mac Mcanally
Contributed by Liam G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.