Someone Who's Cool
Odds Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

In natural selection
I've avoided all detection
And the tender bits underneath
All with window dressing and
Calculated guessing
And a bark bigger than my teeth

It was the suit that got me the gig
It was the tear that got me the girl
I'm a sheep in this wolf's clothing
I'm a picture that I'm holding
Of someone who is cool

Soul like a thimble
Swallowed up in symbols
Wanting what I don't need
If sympathy's the answer
I'll have temporary cancer
But that's not what I'll have you believe

It was the suit that got me the gig
It was the tear that got me the girl
I'm a sheep in this wolf's clothing
I'm a picture that I'm holding
Of someone who is cool
Someone who is cool

Close but kind of meatless
Like actors who play Jesus
In movies of the week
What other people wish for
Oozes from my every pore
I'm the coffee not the sleep

And I'm the song about the song
That once said something new
I'm a scandal that's unfolding
I'm a picture that I'm holding




Of someone who is cool
Someone who is cool

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Someone Who's Cool" by Odds depict the struggle of a person who is trying hard to fit in and be accepted by others. The opening lines of the song, "In natural selection, I've avoided all detection, and the tender bits underneath. All with window dressing and calculated guessing, and a bark bigger than my teeth" talk about how the person has been hiding his true self, trying to appear stronger or different than he actually is. There is a sense of insecurity and vulnerability in these lines and an indication of the lengths people go to fit in, even if it means putting on a façade.


The next few lines, "It was the suit that got me the gig, It was the tear that got me the girl, I'm a sheep in this wolf's clothing, I'm a picture that I'm holding of someone who is cool" show that the person is aware of the charade he is putting on, but he also knows what works for him. He has managed to get the job or the girl by projecting a certain image of himself, even though it's not entirely who he is. The person is a "sheep in wolf's clothing," someone who appears to be tough on the outside, but is actually quite gentle underneath. He is holding a picture of someone who is cool, someone he aspires to be like.


The last few lines of the song, "I'm a scandal that's unfolding, I'm a picture that I'm holding of someone who is cool, Someone who is cool," talk about the contrast between what the person appears to be and what he actually is. The person is not cool, but he is holding a picture of someone who is cool, and that is the person he is trying to become. However, he realizes that he is not there yet; he is still a "scandal that is unfolding." Overall, the song is a commentary on the pressure to fit in and how it can cause people to lose sight of who they truly are.


Line by Line Meaning

In natural selection
Despite the harsh realities of natural selection, I have been able to avoid the negative consequences.


I've avoided all detection
Through careful actions and decisions, I have managed to go unnoticed.


And the tender bits underneath
Despite my outward persona, I am sensitive and vulnerable underneath it all.


All with window dressing and
My outward appearance is carefully crafted to conceal my insecurities and vulnerabilities.


Calculated guessing
I make guesses and decisions based on careful analysis and calculation.


And a bark bigger than my teeth
I may present myself as tough and intimidating, but I do not have the strength to back up my words.


It was the suit that got me the gig
I have been able to achieve success by appearing polished and professional.


It was the tear that got me the girl
My vulnerability and emotional depth have helped me connect with others.


I'm a sheep in this wolf's clothing
Despite my tough exterior, I am actually quite docile and submissive.


I'm a picture that I'm holding
I present a carefully crafted image of myself to others.


Of someone who is cool
I want others to perceive me as cool and desirable.


Soul like a thimble
My soul is small and insignificant.


Swallowed up in symbols
I am consumed by superficial things and arbitrary symbols of status.


Wanting what I don't need
I desire things that are unnecessary or unimportant.


If sympathy's the answer
If I want to be more likable or understood by others,


I'll have temporary cancer
I am willing to fake or exaggerate an illness or injury to gain sympathy or attention from others.


But that's not what I'll have you believe
I may present myself as someone seeking sympathy and understanding, but I do not truly believe in that approach.


Close but kind of meatless
I am almost what others desire, but lack substance and genuine depth.


Like actors who play Jesus
I am playing a role that others expect or desire, but ultimately lack authenticity.


In movies of the week
My life is like a made-for-TV movie, with shallow plot lines and superficial characters.


What other people wish for
What others desire or strive for


Oozes from my every pore
Is effortlessly displayed by me and my persona.


I'm the coffee not the sleep
I am stimulating and energizing, not calming and restful.


And I'm the song about the song
I am referring to the fact that I am like a parody or imitation, rather than something original or groundbreaking.


That once said something new
I may have been original or innovative at some point, but now I am simply repeating that same novelty without adding anything new.


I'm a scandal that's unfolding
I am a controversial figure that is slowly revealing all their secrets and transgressions.


I'm a picture that I'm holding
I am the carefully constructed image of myself that I present to others.


Of someone who is cool
I want others to perceive me as cool, collected, and desirable.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Anthem Entertainment
Written by: PAT STEWARD, STEVEN DRAKE, CRAIG WILLIAM ANDREW NORTHEY, DOUG ELLIOTT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@slingerlandiamusicpublishi8495

True story: The Odds came to play my American college (Cornell University) winter of '97 as opening act for The Barenaked Ladies. I was probably the only fan of The Odds in the entire theater, everyone else was there for BNL. I interviewed the Odds backstage and then they said "Is it true that Ken Dryden played hockey for Cornell when he was in college?" I told them yes, and a minute later, they demanded I take them to the ice rink. By pure coincidence, it was 'open skate night,' so before I knew it, my girlfriend and I were suddenly ice skating with those hockey nuts The Odds. They were such cool dudes and it was truly one of the most random and awesome evenings ever.

@darrelgustafson2507

Cool shit man

@DamienPaulLabonte

I love these true stories!

@slingerlandiamusicpublishi8495

@@DamienPaulLabonte wish I could travel back in time and re-live it! :)

@juliehoefer2694

if i could love this i would!! BUFFALO born and raised momma!!
SOMEONE WHO IS COOL
SOMEONE WHO IS COOOOOOL
The Hip, Barenaked Ladies, GooGoo Dolls, they made it. BRAVO. the odds the northern pikes, anyone that rocked lees palace without going to fame-

@ninjavigilante5311

They were so huge for a couple years in the 90s... at least here in Canada, I remember this video and eat my brain as number one music videos on muchmusic.

20 More Replies...

@Canuck204

What I love about the 90's, there were a bunch of Canadian bands that had hit after hit that they never received the recognition they should've received. The Odds, Sloan, Moist, I Mother Earth should've exploded but alas was not meant to be. All we have are memories.

@elizabethjolly2335

Sloan is still putting out great music! Although you are right that they are nowhere near as famous as they should be.

@paleblue826

Very underrated Canadian band....

@MathieuLLF

There are so many underrated Canadian bands, but Odds are indeed one of them!

More Comments

More Versions