Liquor Cabinet
Ohmme Lyrics
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There's a tremble in your hand
A rapid tapping on the table
Surprise me
I'd like to see you try
There's a myriad of whys and whats and ways to roll over and die
To roll over and die
Are you drinking out of my liquor cabinet?
I thought I emptied it last year
Brown eyes
It's like I met you once before
It was at ten in the morning
You and me
Bold taking tea
And I remember thinking
How easy it could be
How easy it could be
Are you drinking out of my liquor cabinet?
I thought I emptied it last year
Mix a movie
Are you drinking out of my liquor cabinet?
I thought I emptied it last year
Mix a movie
Mix a movie
Mix a movie
Mix a movie
The lyrics to Ohmme's "Liquor Cabinet" are open to interpretation, but there are a few possible meanings that can be gleaned from the words. The first verse addresses a "wise man" with a tremble in their hand and a tapping on the table. There seems to be a sense of restlessness or nervous energy in this person, as they are challenged to "surprise" the singer. The idea of "rolling over and dying" is mentioned, which could refer to giving up or succumbing to something.
The second verse introduces "brown eyes" who the singer feels they have met before, but the memory is fuzzy. They recall a moment where they were "bold taking tea" together and considered the ease of something, but it's not clear what that something is. There is a sense of familiarity here but also uncertainty. The repetition of the phrase "are you drinking out of my liquor cabinet? I thought I emptied it last year" ties the two verses together and suggests that alcohol is being used in some way to deal with these feelings of restlessness and uncertainty.
The repeated refrain of "mix a movie" could be read in a couple of ways. It could refer to the act of mixing a drink, as in "make me a movie," or it could be a more surreal image of mixing together different elements to create something new. Either way, it adds to the sense of experimentation and search for something different or exciting that runs through the song.
Overall, the lyrics of "Liquor Cabinet" are impressionistic and evoke a mood more than a specific narrative. There is a sense of searching for something or someone, and using alcohol as a way to cope with that uncertainty. The repeated phrase of the liquor cabinet being emptied could be seen as a metaphor for trying to rid oneself of past habits or emotions, but finding that they still linger.
Line by Line Meaning
Wise man
Addressing someone who is believed to be wise or experienced
There's a tremble in your hand
Observing a physical tremble in the hand of the addressee, indicating a feeling of anxiety, fear or uncertainty
A rapid tapping on the table
Witnessing a rapid tapping motion on the table by the addressee, signifying nervousness or impatience
Surprise me
Challenging the addressee to surprise the artist with unexpected actions, ideas or words
I'd like to see you try
Encouraging the addressee to attempt to surprise the artist, indicating readiness to react to unexpected things
There's a myriad of whys and whats and ways to roll over and die
Stating that there are many reasons, questions and dangers that can lead to failure, harm or death
To roll over and die
Repeating the point that giving up, surrendering or succumbing to adversity is like dying
Are you drinking out of my liquor cabinet?
Asking a question to someone who is believed to be drinking from the artist's liquor cabinet without permission
I thought I emptied it last year
Expressing surprise, frustration or annoyance that the liquor cabinet is not empty as expected, emphasizing the fact that it was emptied before
Brown eyes
Referring to the color of the eyes of the addressee or someone else being mentioned
It's like I met you once before
Feeling a sense of familiarity or déjà vu with the addressee, suggesting a possible connection or resemblance
It was at ten in the morning
Recalling a previous encounter with the addressee that happened at a specific time of the day
You and me
Referring to the singer and the addressee as a pair, indicating a relationship or partnership
Bold taking tea
Describing a situation where the singer and the addressee are drinking tea together, using the word 'bold' to suggest a daring, unconventional or friendly act
And I remember thinking
Recalling a past thought or reflection about a particular issue or person
How easy it could be
Realizing a possibility or opportunity that was not previously acknowledged, expressing a sense of optimism or enthusiasm
Mix a movie
Uttering a seemingly meaningless or absurd phrase that could imply an invitation to imagine, create or enjoy a fantastic story or experience
Mix a movie
Repeating the same phrase from before, possibly for emphasis, rhythm or humor
Mix a movie
Repeating the same phrase again, possibly as a form of musical interlude or transition
Mix a movie
Repeating the same phrase one more time, possibly as a final statement or chant
Contributed by Asher C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.