Elephant
OFFICE - Tame Impala Lyrics
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Shakin' his big grey trunk for the hell of it
He knows that you're dreamin' about being loved by him
Too bad your chances are slim
And it's not like Mister Shuck
To get shy when they ask him who is on top
There must be something deep down in the dark down there
He's got friends but they got the fear
Wouldn't care too much if he just disappeared
Oh, look, hey, there he is now coming down the stairs
(Here he comes)
He pulled the mirrors off his Cadillac (yeah)
'Cause he doesn't like it looking like he looks back
He talks like his opinion is a simple fact
Somebody grabbed his collar
He cried the whole way home
No one remembered a thing when they saw him again
That's how it is 'til the end
(Yeah)
The song Elephant by Tame Impala is a witty commentary on the human condition and our obsession with power, popularity, and appearance. The opening line, "Well, he feels like an elephant," sets the tone for the song. The singer feels larger than life, powerful and in control, like an elephant. He revels in his grandeur, shaking his big grey trunk for the hell of it. He is aware that others covet his love, but he also knows that their chances are slim.
The second verse of the song introduces Mister Shuck, the embodiment of power, fame, and popularity. He is not afraid to confirm his position at the top, but there is also something deep down in the dark down there that makes him unafraid. The chorus brings in the element of fear, as Mister Shuck's friends are afraid of him. There is a sense of detachment and disregard for human life as the friends wouldn't care too much if he just disappeared.
The final verse concludes with the singer talking about Mister Shuck's appearance, which he doesn't like looking back at him. It is a stunning contrast to the earlier theme of grandeur and power. The song emphasizes that people often wear a facade to hide their insecurities and make themselves feel more powerful, which is beautifully captured in the line "He talks like his opinion is a simple fact." Overall, Elephant is an insightful song that highlights our need for power, fear, and facade.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, he feels like an elephant
The singer feels large and overpowering.
Shakin' his big grey trunk for the hell of it
The singer is showing off for no particular reason.
He knows that you're dreamin' about being loved by him
The singer is aware of someone's affection but doesn't reciprocate.
Too bad your chances are slim
The person longing for love from the artist has very little hope.
And it's not like Mister Shuck
The artist is different from a person named Mister Shuck.
To get shy when they ask him who is on top
The singer isn't timid about admitting he's in charge.
There must be something deep down in the dark down there
There's likely something mysterious and hidden within the singer.
He's not too easily scared
The artist is quite resilient and not easily intimidated.
He's got friends but they got the fear
The artist has friends, but they're afraid of something.
Wouldn't care too much if he just disappeared
The artist's friends wouldn't be too bothered if he left for good.
Oh, look, hey, there he is now coming down the stairs
The singer is making an entrance.
(Here he comes)
The artist is on his way.
He pulled the mirrors off his Cadillac (yeah)
The singer removed the mirrors from his car.
'Cause he doesn't like it looking like he looks back
The singer doesn't appreciate the way his own reflection appears.
He talks like his opinion is a simple fact
The singer speaks with authority, suggesting he has a strong opinion.
Somebody grabbed his collar
Someone grabbed the artist's collar.
He cried the whole way home
The artist was visibly upset and crying as he left.
No one remembered a thing when they saw him again
When they saw the singer again, no one mentioned what had happened.
That's how it is 'til the end (Yeah)
That's the way things will be until the end.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jay Watson, Kevin Parker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
conflabermits
Dang, this singer sounds like Sean Lennon. Almost feels like a Lennon Claypool track.