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.
Badman
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 of Pete Yorn's song "Badman" echoes the feeling of a man who creates his own problems and derives pleasure from it. He works at a bar and takes the truth home, indicating he is looking for honesty and reality in his life. He finds his work colleagues lacking creativity or producing anything of value. As a result, he creates his own problems and discusses them with people. He enjoys going out and socializing but also wants to control things, telling his partner he wants her on top, indicating his need for control.
The singer also feels empathy towards his partner and wants to be there for them, even when they are going through a difficult time. He enjoys provoking and annoying others, indicating his bad side. He loves that the t-shirts make his partner sad and also loves it when people talk behind his back, which is another indication of his twisted and selfish nature. The song is essentially about a man who enjoys creating drama and has a dark side to his personality.
Line by Line Meaning
I work at some bar and I take the truth home
I am employed at a bar and I tend to bring home what's real and honest.
Those guys got nothing works of art
The people around me aren't creative or original in their work.
Create my own problems
I tend to cause my own issues through my actions and decisions.
Discuss 'em with people
I talk about these problems with others, seeking input and guidance.
Had a good time goin' there last night
I enjoyed myself while out and about the previous night.
I want you on top now, I want you on top
I want you to be the dominant one in our relationship or situation.
I sit at your table
I sit near you, possibly in a position of inferiority or subservience.
No it don't disturb me when you're sad
I'm not bothered by your sadness or emotional state.
yeah, I feel so bad
Despite not being disturbed by your sadness, I still feel guilty or sympathetic towards your emotions.
Would you like to make an order
Can I get you something to eat or drink?
I can serve it up
I am able to provide you with what you've ordered.
I celebrate for a little while
I briefly enjoy myself in the moment.
Just a little while
This sense of happiness or excitement is short-lived.
I love it that the t-shirts make you sad
I enjoy seeing you upset or in a negative emotional state, possibly due to something as small as a t-shirt.
I love it when you talk behind me
I find pleasure in hearing people speak negatively about me or questioning my actions.
I love it 'cause I am a badman
I get pleasure from being seen as a negative or dangerous person, or someone who doesn't play by the rules.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Peter J. Yorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind