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)
Somebody to Anybody
Margaret Glaspy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nobody's calling my name
Nobody's payin me mind
I'm a little drop from a big fountain
Oh I blend in and that's fine
My sister she is gonna die tryin
with her hear ablaze and a fightin song
Give a gust of wind and I'm gone
Cuz I don't wanna be somebody to anybody no
I'm good at no one
Once I was loved but I wouldn't dare
Take a compliment or give a kiss
Just thinking of bein a pair
Had me suffering and made me split
Cuz I dont wanna be somebody to anybody no
I'm good at no one
I keep my head down and both eyes wide
I don't look up just side to side
And I stay well kept so they can see
There's nothin wrong with me
Its just that I don't wanna be somebody to anybody no
I dont wanna be somebody to anybody no
I dont wanna be somebody to anybody no
I'm good at no one
The song "Somebody to Anybody" by Margaret Glaspy reflects on the struggle of self-acceptance and the pressure to live up to others' expectations. The opening stanza captures the essence of the song where she refers to herself as a little rock on a big mountain that no one is noticing. She feels ignored and insignificant in comparison to the larger mountain. While the latter represents the people around her who are getting all the attention and limelight, she feels like she is fading in the background. She is like a little drop from a big fountain, where she is not making any significant impact. The line "I blend in and that's fine" implies that she has accepted her fate of being unnoticed, and it does not bother her anymore.
The next stanza describes the contrast between herself and her sister. While her sister is a fighter with a passionate heart, trying to make a difference, she is content being a dandelion, waiting for a gust of wind to take her away. She does not want to be somebody to anyone, and the line "I'm good at no one" emphasizes it. The chorus repeats "I don't want to be somebody to anybody no," expressing the central theme of the song. She is comfortable in her skin and does not want to change who she is to please people.
The bridge provides a glimpse of her struggle with accepting love and affection. She has been loved before, but the thought of being in a pair makes her uncomfortable, and she prefers to suffer alone. The lines "Cuz I don't wanna be somebody to anybody no, I'm good at no one" reiterate her commitment to herself. The song's ending reiterates her stance by bringing back the chorus, emphasizing that she is not looking for anyone's approval or validation, staying true to herself.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a little rock on a big mountain
I feel small and insignificant compared to the world
Nobody's calling my name
No one is paying attention or acknowledging me
Nobody's payin me mind
No one is caring about me or my well-being
I'm a little drop from a big fountain
I feel like a small and insignificant part of a larger whole
Oh I blend in and that's fine
I am content with being unnoticed and not standing out
My sister she is gonna die tryin
My sister is determined to succeed at all costs
with her hear ablaze and a fightin song
She is passionate and ready to fight for what she believes in
Not me, I'll be a dandelion
I am okay with being blown in any direction and not having a set path or goal
Give a gust of wind and I'm gone
I am adaptable and can easily move on from situations and people
Cuz I don't wanna be somebody to anybody no
I am content with not being close to anyone and not needing anyone to define me or my worth
I'm good at no one
I don't have any particular talent or skill that sets me apart or makes me exceptional
Once I was loved but I wouldn't dare
I was loved in the past, but I didn't feel comfortable or deserving of that affection
Take a compliment or give a kiss
I couldn't accept compliments or physical affection because I didn't feel worthy of it
Just thinking of bein a pair
The thought of being in a relationship caused me distress and anxiety
Had me suffering and made me split
It caused me pain and made me want to flee from that situation
I keep my head down and both eyes wide
I am aware of my surroundings but try to avoid drawing attention to myself
I don't look up just side to side
I try to avoid attracting attention to myself by not making eye contact with others
And I stay well kept so they can see
I present myself well and maintain a certain image to avoid scrutiny
There's nothin wrong with me
I don't want others to perceive me as weak or in need of help
Its just that I don't wanna be somebody to anybody no
I don't want to be defined or controlled by anyone else
I dont wanna be somebody to anybody no
I am content with being independent and not needing anyone else to validate me
I'm good at no one
I am okay with not having any defining qualities or strengths
Contributed by Leo G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jack K
Artists like Margaret Glaspy are why I love music. Simply amazing.
Huan Spooky
this song and she herself deserves so much more attention.
Michael Varverakis Official
Best show of this year was seeing Margaret in Detroit. And this song in particular live was outstanding. Her entire set was incredible, just her and her guitar. Pure greatness!
sagus_mage
The thing about Margaret that makes her stand apart is her arrangements. She knows how to break up a chord and add melodic lines in between, and this song is a perfect example. The way she uses syncopation in the second verse and the descending parts after the chorus make it so much richer than it would be with a lesser songwriter.
Naromecuás
No.....plenty musicians do it and dont sound as good....thats good art men, unexplainable....
Fettarme Milch 1,5%
I love her approach to harmony! I haven't heard such songs before. Also very intimate lyrics. Needless to point out her tone
Kevin Trotter
Well said...she is amazing!!?
Kevin Trotter
Amazing is an understatement.what a beautiful voice and interesting guitar style. God it's so refreshing to hear such beautiful, written songs!
I can't wait to see her live in a few weeks with Spoon!!
Ryszard L
I just realised it was you who made me pick up a telecaster a while ago. I'm so grateful and full of awe for your talent. Cheers from Poland.
Writer Mind
Probably my favorite performance of this particular song that she's done. Simple, laid back, just her and that guitar. Love it!