Peter Bjorn and John were formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 1999. Made up of m… Read Full Bio ↴Peter Bjorn and John were formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 1999. Made up of members Peter Morén on vocals, guitar, and harmonica; Björn Yttling on vocals, bass, and keyboards; and John Eriksson on drums, percussion, and vocals. The band has released six albums: "Peter Bjorn and John" (2002), "Falling Out" (2004), "Writer's Block" (2006), "Seaside Rock" (2008), "Living Thing" (2009) and "Gimme Some" (2011). The band is influenced by the sounds of classic '60s baroque pop, power pop, and new wave

The band gained recognition in the United Kingdom and United States during 2006 and 2007 due to the success of their single "Young Folks", whilst staying virtually unknown in their homeland, Sweden.

What You Talking About?
Peter Bjorn and John Lyrics

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You used to be my hero
Now you're just another bud
[?] myself as zero
I can't understand what you talking about

All the anger left my body
I'm [?] off in the aftermath
Five years since you run the study

I can't understand what you talking about

I got a message to you
Cause I can't follow through

Tell you lies and never listen
Tell the truth and I'll be gone
Tell me why I need permission
You don't have to shock
I can't understand what you talking about
No, I can't understand what you talking about

Shine in, in your shadow
How could I sink this low?
Our queen just has been [?]
I can't understand where my patience's gone

[?] waiting for my savior
You raised the toast for your second son
I was on time but you turned up later
Always expected you'll end up alone

I got a message to you
Cause I can't follow through

Tell you lies and never listen
Tell the truth and I'll be gone
Tell me why I need permission
You don't have to shock
I can't understand what you talking about
Tell you lies and never listen
Tell the truth and I'll be gone
Tell me why I need permission
You don't have to shock
I can't understand what you talking about
No, I can't understand what you talking about

What you talking about?
What you talking about?

What you talking about?
What you talking about?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Peter Bjorn and John's song "What You Talking About?" describe a sense of disillusionment and confusion towards someone who was once regarded as a hero or a leader. The singer in the song expresses frustration and a loss of understanding towards the person they are addressing, who seems to be changing or hiding something. The line "I can't understand what you talking about" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the communication breakdown between the two individuals.

The lyrics also touch on themes of truth and lies, permission, and expectations. The singer recognizes that honesty may lead to the end of their relationship, but they also feel stifled and controlled by the other person's expectations. The line "Tell me why I need permission" suggests a power dynamic in which the singer feels oppressed or held back. At the same time, there is a sense of regret and mourning for the relationship that used to exist, as seen in the line "How could I sink this low?"

Overall, the lyrics of "What You Talking About?" convey a sense of disappointment and alienation towards someone who has changed or let the singer down, as well as a desire for honesty and agency in the relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

You used to be my hero
I used to idolize you

Now you're just another bud
But now you're just like anyone else

[?] myself as zero
I feel worthless as a person

I can't understand what you talking about
I don't understand what you're saying

All the anger left my body
I'm not angry anymore

I'm [?] off in the aftermath
But I'm still dealing with the consequences

Five years since you run the study
It's been five years since you were in control

I got a message to you
I need to communicate something to you

Cause I can't follow through
But I'm having trouble following through with it

Tell you lies and never listen
If I lie to you, you won't even listen to me

Tell the truth and I'll be gone
If I tell you the truth, you'll reject me

Tell me why I need permission
Why do I need your approval?

You don't have to shock
You don't have to be so surprising

Shine in, in your shadow
I feel overshadowed by you

How could I sink this low?
How did I end up in such a bad situation?

Our queen just has been [?]
Someone important to us has recently passed away

I can't understand where my patience's gone
I'm losing my ability to be patient

[?] waiting for my savior
I'm waiting for someone to rescue me

You raised the toast for your second son
You celebrated someone else's success instead of mine

I was on time but you turned up later
I was punctual, but you arrived late

Always expected you'll end up alone
I assumed that you would never find happiness

What you talking about?
What are you saying?

Writer(s): Greg Kurstin, Peter Moren, Patrick Berger, Bjorn Yttling, John Eriksson

Contributed by Sadie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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