Cho is probably now considered the first lady of left wing comedy, dealing with the edgier issues of gender, race, drugs, wanton sexuality etc. In her own words: "I don't play violin... I didn't f**k Woody Allen."
Asian Adjacent
Margaret Cho Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because you eyes
and your hair are dark?
Or you're not exactly white
But I can't say "you're black"
Your friends say you are polite
and the girls always got your back
I wondered what the look on their face ment
I think you are asian adjacent
You might be a Mexican
or a Cherokee
Or perhaps you're just a nice racial potpourri
You got one of those faces
And almond shanty eyes
You could be from lots of places
Like Alaska or Ha-Ha-Hawaii
I wondered what the look on their face ment
I think you are Asian adjacent
Asian Adjacent
You're busy, not complacent
Is it because you are Asian adjacent?
Asian adjacent
You're immigration must be resent
You manners are so, so decent
Sometimes you speak with a slight accent
Always eternally young
You'll never look ancient
You are racialy ambivalent
Asian adjacent
I wondered what the look on their face ment
I think you are Asian adjacent (x2)
Asian adjacent
?????
Is it because you're Asian adjacent?
Asian adjacent
In "Asian Adjacent," Margaret Cho explores the concept of racial ambiguity and the experience of being categorized in a society where people often make assumptions based on physical appearance.
The song opens with the singer questioning why people are always curious about their racial background and trying to fit them into specific categories based on their dark eyes and hair. The line "you're not exactly white, but I can't say 'you're black'" suggests that the singer's friends acknowledge their non-white ethnicity but are unsure of their exact racial identity.
The chorus introduces the term "Asian adjacent," which refers to being perceived as belonging to or being closely associated with Asian culture or heritage, without necessarily being fully Asian. The singer reflects on the reactions of others when they try to determine their racial background and notes that they are often seen as polite and supported by their friends.
The second verse explores different possibilities of the singer's ethnic background, mentioning Mexican, Cherokee, and a combination of various racial backgrounds. The wordplay on "faces" and "places" reflects the complexity of the singer's identity, suggesting that they could be from many different backgrounds like Alaska or Hawaii. The repeated line "I think you are Asian adjacent" reiterates the central theme of the song.
The bridge of the song reinforces the singer's racial ambiguity and explores the stereotypes and assumptions they face. The line "Your immigration must be resent" suggests that their immigrant ancestry is perceived positively, while their manners are praised as "so, so decent." The mention of speaking with a slight accent highlights the difficulties of fitting into a singular racial or cultural category.
The closing repetition of the chorus further emphasizes the singer's perception of others' curiosity about their ethnicity. The concluding lines, "Is it because you're Asian adjacent? Asian adjacent," encapsulate the overall theme of the song, highlighting the ongoing questioning and curiosity towards the singer's racial identity.
Overall, "Asian Adjacent" delves into the experience of being racially ambiguous and the societal expectations and assumptions that come with it. It challenges the notion of neatly fitting into any one racial category and encourages listeners to embrace a broader understanding of racial identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Do people ask you what you are
Are you frequently questioned about your ethnicity?
Because your eyes and your hair are dark?
Is it due to your dark eyes and hair?
Or you're not exactly white
Or is it the fact that you don't fit the typical white stereotype?
But I can't say 'you're black'
However, I cannot categorize you as black.
Your friends say you are polite
Your friends describe you as well-mannered.
And the girls always got your back
Plus, the girls always support you.
I wondered what the look on their face meant
I became curious about the expressions on their faces.
I think you are Asian adjacent
I believe you are culturally connected to the Asian community.
You might be a Mexican
Perhaps you have Mexican heritage.
Or a Cherokee
Or maybe you are of Cherokee descent.
Or perhaps you're just a nice racial potpourri
Alternatively, you could be a pleasant mix of different races.
You got one of those faces
You possess one of those facial appearances.
And almond shanty eyes
With eyes that resemble elegant almonds.
You could be from lots of places
You could potentially be from various locations.
Like Alaska or Ha-Ha-Hawaii
For instance, Alaska or perhaps the slightly humorous Hawaii.
I wondered what the look on their face meant
I pondered over the meaning of the expressions they displayed.
I think you are Asian adjacent
I believe you have a close association with the Asian culture.
Asian Adjacent
Having a connection or resemblance to Asian identity.
You're busy, not complacent
You lead an active life and are not content with staying still.
Is it because you are Asian adjacent?
Could it be because of your connection to Asian culture?
Asian adjacent
Having a relationship or proximity to Asian heritage.
Your immigration must be resent
Some people might hold resentment towards your immigration status.
Your manners are so, so decent
However, your manners are exceptionally polite.
Sometimes you speak with a slight accent
Occasionally, you possess a subtle hint of an accent while speaking.
Always eternally young
You consistently maintain a youthful appearance.
You'll never look ancient
You will never appear old or aged.
You are racially ambivalent
Your racial background is difficult to determine.
Asian adjacent
Having a connection or relation to Asian ethnicity.
I wondered what the look on their face meant
I pondered over the significance of the expressions they wore.
I think you are Asian adjacent (x2)
I believe you share a connection to the Asian community.
Asian adjacent
Being associated with or close to Asian identity.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Grant Phillips, Margaret Cho
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
beancountingzombie
I'm glad Cindy Lauper talked you into singing...you have a great voice :) And you are one of my favorite comedians to boot...love you Keep up the good work!
Andrew Vernon
This is one of the best music videos ever!
Jesus Lopez
Still my jam, love this song so much
Sebastian Bulos
this is how you deliver a song, lovely Margaret. Peace QUEEN.
RainSky Silvermoon
She needs to do more music i love here voice and would love to here more comedian but serious at the same time music LOL... LOVE U CHO
JerJer B
well it took a while! but i love it!!!!!!! i've had this song on replay all day now
Daniel Thompson IV
Going to iTunes now to get this! <3 Margret
Steven Sharpe
i like it but i free it should be longer. its been stick in my head all day. so catchy!
JonTheDandy
Amazing as usual!
Grace Ku
This song is brilliant! Margaret Cho is uniquely funny.(and I started scratching my head without me noticing it.)