Expectations
Ofln - Belle & Sebastian Lyrics
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Tell your mum what to expect, she says it's right out of the blue
Do you went to work in Debenham's, because that's what they expect
Start in Lingerie, and Doris is your supervisor
And the head said that you always were a queer one from the start
For careers you say you went to be remembered for your art
Your obsessions get you known throughout the school for being strange
In the queue for lunch they take the piss, you've got no appetite
And the rumour is you never go with boys and you are tight
So they jab you with a fork, you drop the tray and go berserk
While your cleaning up the mess the teacher's looking up your skirt
You've been used, you're confused
Write a song, I'll sing along
Are you calm? Settle down
Soon you will know that you are sane
You're on top of the world again
Monday morning wake up knowing that you've got to go to school
Mum said she had little choice when she was young, so why should you?
Do you went to work in C&A, 'cause that's what they expect
Move to Ladieswear and take a feel off Joe the Storeman
Tell Veronica the secrets of the boy you never kissed
She's got everything to gain 'cause she's a fat girl with a lisp
She sticks up for you when you get aggravation from the snobs
'Cause you can't afford a blazer and you're always wearing clogs
At the interval you lock yourself away inside a room
Heed of English gets you, asks you, "What the Hell do you think you're doing?"
"Do you think you're better then the other kids? Well get outside."
You've got permission, but you've got to make the bastard think he's right
The lyrics of "Expectations" by Belle & Sebastian delve into the struggles and societal pressures faced by a young person navigating their way through adolescence and conforming to expectations imposed upon them. The song begins with the mundane routine of waking up for school and the feeling of being trapped in a predetermined path. The singer's mother seems unsympathetic to their desires, reinforcing societal norms and expectations that dictate one's choices in life. The mention of working at Debenham's and starting in Lingerie symbolizes the mundane and unfulfilling nature of conforming to societal expectations.
The singer's unique creative aspirations are met with ridicule and ostracization by their peers and authority figures at school. The lyrics touch on themes of non-conformity, being labeled as strange, and feeling alienated for expressing individuality. The line about making life-size models of the Velvet Underground in clay speaks to the singer's artistic impulses and unconventional interests that set them apart from their peers. The bullying and harassment faced by the singer highlight the isolation and struggles that come with not fitting into the norm.
As the song progresses, the singer's defiance against societal norms becomes more evident as they find solace in music and creativity. The lyrics suggest a sense of empowerment through self-expression and art, with the act of writing a song as a form of catharsis and resistance against societal pressures. The singer's journey towards self-acceptance and realization of their own identity is depicted through the lyrics, culminating in a sense of inner peace and clarity about their sanity and worth.
Ultimately, "Expectations" by Belle & Sebastian serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges of self-discovery and individuality in the face of societal expectations and conformity. The singer's journey from feeling used and confused to finding their voice and standing up against societal pressures resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider or struggled with fitting in. The song captures the complexities of adolescence, the quest for self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself despite external pressures to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
Monday morning wake up knowing that you've got to go to school
Facing the reality of starting a new school week
Tell your mum what to expect, she says it's right out of the blue
Discussing expectations with your mother, who finds them surprising
Do you went to work in Debenham's, because that's what they expect
Following society's expectations by working in a specific place
Start in Lingerie, and Doris is your supervisor
Beginning in a specific department under a particular supervisor
And the head said that you always were a queer one from the start
Being labeled as different by authority figures early on
For careers you say you went to be remembered for your art
Desiring to be recognized for artistic talent in future endeavors
Your obsessions get you known throughout the school for being strange
Becoming known for unconventional interests that set you apart in school
Making life-size models of the Velvet Underground in clay
Expressing creativity through unique art projects
In the queue for lunch they take the piss, you've got no appetite
Facing ridicule from peers while dealing with loss of appetite
And the rumour is you never go with boys and you are tight
Dealing with rumors about your relationships and behavior
So they jab you with a fork, you drop the tray and go berserk
Reacting angrily to physical aggression and causing a scene
While your cleaning up the mess the teacher's looking up your skirt
Feeling violated as authority figure takes advantage of situation
You've been used, you're confused
Feeling manipulated and unsure of your situation
Write a song, I'll sing along
Finding solace in music as a form of self-expression
Are you calm? Settle down
Encouraging self-control and composure in difficult situations
Soon you will know that you are sane
Assuring yourself that you are mentally stable despite challenges
You're on top of the world again
Feeling triumphant and empowered after overcoming adversity
Mum said she had little choice when she was young, so why should you?
Questioning the expectations placed on you by comparing them to your mother's experiences
Move to Ladieswear and take a feel off Joe the Storeman
Transitioning to a new role and forming connections with coworkers
Tell Veronica the secrets of the boy you never kissed
Confiding in a friend about personal experiences and emotions
She's got everything to gain 'cause she's a fat girl with a lisp
Supporting a friend who may face judgment for her appearance and speech
She sticks up for you when you get aggravation from the snobs
Having a loyal friend defend you against bullying or mistreatment
Heed of English gets you, asks you, 'What the Hell do you think you're doing?'
Challenged by an authority figure for unconventional behavior
'Do you think you're better then the other kids? Well get outside.'
Being questioned about feelings of superiority and asked to leave the room
You've got permission, but you've got to make the bastard think he's right
Having the freedom to act, but feeling pressure to appease someone else's ego
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Cloud9
Written by: CHRISTOPHER GEDDES, ISOBEL CAMPBELL, MICHAEL COOKE, RICHARD COLBURN, STEPHEN JACKSON, STUART MURDOCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind