Yorn started as a drummer who also played guitar. In 1990, he was drumming for his band in a high school talent contest when someone suggested he sing the Replacements song "Talent Show." That went over so well, a competing band asked him to sing Neil Young’s "Rockin' In the Free World" with them.
He was first recognized when the Farrelly brothers picked "Strange Condition" for their film Me, Myself & Irene.
He has gained increasing popularity following the use of his song "Just Another" on popular WB television show Dawson's Creek.
Another of his songs, Murray was used in the credits of the film Igby Goes Down
The song "Undercover" was used in the first Spiderman movie and appears on the soundtrack.
The song "Lose You" was used in the closing of an episode of House on Fox.
Bad Man
Pete Yorn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Those guys got nothing works of art
Create my own problems
Discuss 'em with people
Had a good time goin' there last night
Here we go,
I want you on top now, I want you on top
I sit at your table
No it don't disturb me when you're sad
yeah, I feel so bad
Would you like to make an order
I can serve it up
I celebrate for a little while
Just a little while
I want you on top now, I want you on top
I want you on top now, I want you on top
I love it that the t-shirts make you sad
I love it that the t-shirts make you sad
I love it that the t-shirts make you sad
I love it when you talk behind me
I love it 'cause I am a badman
I love it 'cause I am a badman
The lyrics to Bad Man by Pete Yorn depict a conflicted individual who works at a bar and takes his problems home with him. He creates his own problems and discusses them with others, possibly seeking or even enjoying the attention that comes with it. The line "had a good time goin' there last night" suggests that he goes out regularly and perhaps engages in risky or self-destructive behavior.
The chorus, "I want you on top now, I want you on top," could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be a manipulative statement, pushing someone to take control or exert power over a situation. Or, it could be a desire for attention or domination in a relationship or sexual encounter.
The second half of the song takes a more sinister turn, with the repetition of "I love it" in reference to making others sad or talking behind someone's back. The repeated statement "I am a bad man" drives home the idea that the singer is not a morally upright person and revels in his own wrongdoing. The overall picture painted by these lyrics is one of someone who is troubled, possibly dangerous, and unable to break out of a cycle of self-destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
I work at some bar and I take the truth home
I work at a bar and often take home stories and experiences that I've heard or witnessed while working there.
Those guys got nothing works of art
The people at the bar are not particularly interesting or unique individuals.
Create my own problems
I tend to make things more complicated than they need to be and create unnecessary friction in my life.
Discuss 'em with people
Despite creating my own problems, I like to talk about them and seek support and advice from those around me.
Had a good time goin' there last night
Despite the mundane nature of the people and experiences at the bar, I still find enjoyment and fulfillment in attending and interacting with them.
I want you on top now, I want you on top
I am eager for you to take control and lead in this situation.
I sit at your table
I am joining you at your table, likely in a social situation.
No it don't disturb me when you're sad
Your emotional state does not outwardly bother or affect me.
yeah, I feel so bad
Despite not showing it, I do feel a sense of guilt or remorse about your sadness.
Would you like to make an order
As a server or worker in this setting, I am offering my assistance with taking your order.
I can serve it up
I am capable and willing to provide whatever service or assistance you may need.
I celebrate for a little while
I find momentary happiness or excitement in temporary or fleeting experiences or events.
Just a little while
However, this joy or excitement is short-lived and often does not have a lasting impact.
I love it that the t-shirts make you sad
I enjoy and find satisfaction in causing you to feel upset or uncomfortable, even if it is through something as trivial as a t-shirt.
I love it when you talk behind me
I find pleasure in gossip or negative talk about myself, possibly because it validates my perception of myself as a 'badman.'
I love it 'cause I am a badman
Overall, I take pride in and embrace the persona of a 'badman,' regardless of how it affects those around me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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