http://pwrbttm.bandcamp.com/releases
Serving Goffman
PWR BTTM Lyrics
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I called my mom on the phone today and told her not to worry (not to worry)
I held my breath in a suit and tie because I didn't know I could fight back
I wanna put the whole world in drag but I'm starting to realize it's already like that
Am I making a fool of myself
Am I making a fool of myself
Am I making a fool of myself
I sure hope so
It's so difficult to say what you mean
To pick the right words and breathe in between so I've been
Taking it slow
I found out people aren't that mean but it
It still feels like they're laughing at me
When they're just
Saying hello
What's your favorite color
Do you need to borrow my bike
Do you have a lucky number
Do you like the movies I like
The song Serving Goffman by PWR BTTM is a powerful commentary on the societal pressure to conform to certain gender norms and societal expectations. The first verse communicates the singer's desire to break the boundaries of what is socially acceptable by using a metaphor of drawing outside the lines with a favorite pen. It suggests that the singer wants to rebel against the rules and norms that society imposes on them. The line "I called my mom on the phone today and told her not to worry" seems to imply that the singer feels guilty or uncertain about their desire to break societal rules but seeks validation and acceptance from their loved ones.
The second stanza expresses the singer's realization of their own insecurity and how they have been suppressing their identity to fit in. Wearing a suit and tie is often associated with masculinity and is a symbol of conformity to the gender norms, and the singer's desire to fight back suggests their intention to break free from these norms. The last line of the verse, "I wanna put the whole world in drag, but I'm starting to realize it's already like that," is a clever twist on gender stereotypes. The singer realizes that society is already performing gender roles, and therefore, there is no preferred way to dress or behave.
The chorus of the song, "Am I making a fool of myself, I hope so, I sure hope so," is a reflection of the singer's desire to break free from societal expectations and be themselves, even if it means being perceived as a "fool." The bridge of the song "It's so difficult to say what you mean, to pick the right words and breathe in between, so I've been taking it slow" shows the singer's willingness to take their time to express themselves in a way that feels authentic to them. The final stanza, "What's your favorite color, do you need to borrow my bike, do you have a lucky number, do you like the movies I like," is a reflection of the singer's desire for connection and acceptance. The line "It still feels like they're laughing at me when they're just saying hello" captures the singer's struggle between feeling accepted and feeling singled out for being different.
Line by Line Meaning
I used my favorite pen to draw outside the lines until the lines got blurry (the lines got blurry)
I let my creativity flow beyond the boundaries that were made for me, resulting in the blurring of those lines.
I called my mom on the phone today and told her not to worry (not to worry)
I comforted my mother through a phone call, letting her know that everything is alright and she shouldn't fret.
I held my breath in a suit and tie because I didn't know I could fight back
I felt trapped and helpless in a formal setting and didn't know how to stand up for myself.
I wanna put the whole world in drag but I'm starting to realize it's already like that
I desire to question preconceived notions of gender and presentation, but I'm recognizing that the world is already a flamboyant stage.
Am I making a fool of myself
I am questioning whether my actions and words will be perceived as ridiculous or foolish by others.
I hope so
I actually hope that I am making a fool of myself because that means I am being true and honest to myself.
It's so difficult to say what you mean
Expressing oneself with clarity is often challenging; having the right words and timing requires thought and effort.
To pick the right words and breathe in between so I've been Taking it slow
To convey the proper message, it's important to pause and breathe between words. Slowly taking the time to properly communicate and articulate one's thoughts.
I found out people aren't that mean but it It still feels like they're laughing at me When they're just Saying hello
I've learned that individuals aren't necessarily cruel, but I still feel exposed and mocked even when they're simply being cordial with me.
What's your favorite color Do you need to borrow my bike Do you have a lucky number Do you like the movies I like
Through these simple questions, I'm attempting to find common ground and form a connection with the individual. These small, seemingly insignificant conversations may have greater implications.
Contributed by Logan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.