Glaspy boasts a diverse of musical background from competitive fiddle to marching band trombone and influences ranging from Joni Mitchell to Elliott Smith. She focuses her talents in fiercely raw, guitar-driven pop songs. She cut her debut album at Sear Sound with Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Lucius, Har Mar Superstar) in New York City.
Discography - Solo
Homeschool EP (2012, self-Released)
If & When EP (2013, self-Released)
You and I b/w Somebody to Anybody 7-inch (2016, ATO Records)
Emotions and Math (2016, ATO Records)
Born Yesterday EP (2018, ATO Records)
Devotion (2020, ATO Records)
Echo the Diamond (2023, ATO Records)
With The Fundies
The Fundies EP (2012 self-Released)
Pins and Needles
Margaret Glaspy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To be who you want
Yes, I've been sitting silent
Because I thought you liked me quiet
But I don't wanna watch my mouth
No, I don't wanna act like that
Can't figure it out
Oh I don't wanna be
On pins and needles
Around you
Of all people
Of all people
I can't live and know
That there are places we can't go
What are we gonna do
If we can't be true
'Cause I don't wanna watch my mouth
No, I don't wanna act like that
Can't figure it out
I don't wanna hold you 'til I'm good and ready to
Oh I don't wanna be
On pins and needles
Around you
Of all people
Of all people
Yes, I could try my best to
Nod and say "yes" to you
Even when my heart says "no"
Swallow my suggestions
Not ask too many questions
Hide all of my friends
Who's humour might offend you
Oh I don't wanna watch my mouth
No, I don't wanna act like that
Can't figure it out
I don't wanna hold you 'til I'm good and ready to
Oh I don't wanna be
On pins and needles
Around you
Of all people
Of all people
These lyrics tell the story of someone who is trying to be who their partner wants them to be, but they realize they aren't happy with that role. They have been silent and holding back because they thought their partner wanted them to be quiet, but they realize they don't want to hold back anymore. They don't want to feel like they need to watch what they say, swallow their own opinions, or hide their friends who might offend their partner. They don't want to feel anxious and on edge around their partner. They want to be true to themselves and be with someone who accepts them for who they are.
The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where one person is trying to control the other, and the other person is slowly realizing that they aren't happy with that dynamic. They feel like they're walking on eggshells, trying not to upset their partner, and they're tired of it. They want to be able to speak their mind, be comfortable around their partner, and be accepted for who they are. The repeated refrain of "Of all people" emphasizes the disappointment and frustration the singer feels towards their partner.
Overall, these lyrics are a powerful statement about the importance of being true to oneself and not compromising one's values and beliefs for the sake of someone else.
Line by Line Meaning
Looks like I near forgot who I was
I almost lost touch with my true self
To be who you want
In an effort to please you, I sacrificed my authenticity
Yes, I've been sitting silent
I have been keeping quiet and suppressing my true feelings
Because I thought you liked me quiet
I assumed that you preferred me to be passive and submissive
But I don't wanna watch my mouth
I refuse to censor myself any longer
No, I don't wanna act like that
I don't want to feign compliance or agreeability
Can't figure it out
I am struggling to make sense of our relationship
I don't wanna hold you 'til I'm good and ready to
I won't be manipulated into physical intimacy until I am comfortable and willing
Oh I don't wanna be
I refuse to feel
On pins and needles
Nervously on edge and anxious
Around you
In your presence
Of all people
Out of everyone, it is most painful to feel this way around you
I can't live and know
I cannot tolerate
That there are places we can't go
The limitations imposed on our relationship are unbearable
What are we gonna do
How will we proceed
If we can't be true
If we cannot be honest and genuine with each other
'Cause I don't wanna watch my mouth
I refuse to censor myself any longer
No, I don't wanna act like that
I refuse to perform emotional labor for you
Can't figure it out
I am perplexed by your mixed signals and inconsistent behavior
I don't wanna hold you 'til I'm good and ready to
I won't be coerced into physical intimacy until I feel comfortable and safe
Oh I don't wanna be
I refuse to feel
On pins and needles
Nervously on edge and anxious
Around you
In your presence
Of all people
Out of everyone, it is most painful to feel this way around you
Yes, I could try my best to
I am aware that I could make an effort to
Nod and say "yes" to you
Agree with you passively
Even when my heart says "no"
Suppress my real feelings and pretend to be content when I am not
Swallow my suggestions
Abstain from sharing my ideas and opinions
Not ask too many questions
Be complacent and avoid inquiring about things that may upset you
Hide all of my friends
Avoid exposing you to people who may challenge or offend you
Who's humour might offend you
Hide my friends whose sense of humor may be incompatible with yours
Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jeff Holtorf
Best version!
Mister Pumpkinhead
Great version!