Trying To Be Cool
Pheonix Lyrics
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Depending on the things you're wearing
Wildlife binoculars
Tell me that you want me, tell me that you want me
They teach you suffer to resist
Too much intention, Presbyterian
Mint julep testosterone
Cool
I'm just trying to be cool
It's all because of you
Some fanatic attitude we're both on
Open for business says it all, you can't go wrong
Is innocent too immature where you're from?
Tell me that you want me, tell me that you want it all
Two dozen pink and white ranunculus
Why? What are the problems to solve?
To part time holy bachelors
Tell them that you want me, tell them that you want me
Cool
I'm just trying to be cool
It's all because of you
Some fanatic attitude we're both on
Open for business says it all, you can't go wrong
Compliments sound too cynical where you're from
Tell me that you want me, tell me what they want is
Gruesome
I don't care where you're from
Nothing's that personal
There is no physical evidence of cannibal boyfriend
(Tell me that you want me, tell me that you want it all)
(Why don't you tell me that you want me? tell me that you want it all)
In "Trying to Be Cool," Phoenix explores the concept of coolness, the facade of one's personality, and the dynamic between city life and nature. The lyrics juxtapose city and desert environments – both of which have their unique characteristics and are suited for different "types" of people. The use of binoculars, mint julep testosterone, and wildlife in the lyrics is an attempt to combine the two environments into one cohesive message that speaks to their shared beauty.
Despite the beauty of both worlds, there is a sense of anxiety in the lyrics – the existential threat that arises from the fact that the two environments do not coexist peacefully. The lyrics point towards a disconnect between people and their environments, and the tension that arises when people try to be someone they are not. The phrase "trying to be cool" represents an attempt to create an appearance that is not genuine, a front that is meant to deceive others and, sometimes, ourselves.
The song's chorus is a plea to be accepted for who we truly are, without trying to fit into a mold or pretending to be someone we are not. It talks about a "fanatic attitude," which could be interpreted as the obsession with trying to be someone we are not. In essence, the song is a reflection of the human condition and our constant struggle to find our place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
City and desert coexist
Two seemingly opposite environments can exist together in harmony
Depending on the things you're wearing
How you present yourself can influence how you are perceived
Wildlife binoculars
An item commonly associated with exploring and discovering new things
Tell me that you want me, tell me that you want me
Seeking validation and affection from another person
They teach you suffer to resist
Learning to endure pain and hardship as a way to build strength
Too much intention, Presbyterian
Being overly focused and rigid, hinting at religious influence
Mint julep testosterone
A reference to the stereotypical southern gentleman and their love for mint juleps, juxtaposed with masculinity
Cool
Trying to appear calm and collected
I'm just trying to be cool
Admitting to trying to maintain a certain image
It's all because of you
The motivation for trying to be cool is to impress another person
Some fanatic attitude we're both on
A shared passion or obsession between two people
Open for business says it all, you can't go wrong
Being ready and available for any opportunity that comes your way
Is innocent too immature where you're from?
Questioning whether being naive and trusting is seen as childish
Tell me that you want me, tell me that you want it all
Longing for someone to express their desire for a deep, meaningful connection
Two dozen pink and white ranunculus
A specific type of flower often associated with beauty and romance
Why? What are the problems to solve?
Wondering why there always seems to be obstacles and challenges in relationships
To part time holy bachelors
A reference to someone who only pretends to be religious or spiritual
Cool
Continuing to strive for a composed and confident demeanor
Compliments sound too cynical where you're from
Skepticism and distrust towards flattery or praise
Tell me that you want me, tell me what they want is
Wanting someone to be honest and straightforward about their desires
Gruesome
A sudden shift to a dark and unsettling tone
I don't care where you're from
Disregarding the importance of cultural backgrounds and differences
Nothing's that personal
Implying a lack of emotional attachment or investment
There is no physical evidence of cannibal boyfriend
A seemingly random and disturbing statement, open to interpretation
(Tell me that you want me, tell me that you want it all)
Repeating the desire for a deep and authentic connection
(Why don't you tell me that you want me? tell me that you want it all)
Urging someone to express their true feelings and desires
Contributed by Aaron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bryanyuriveravizarreta1118
Alternative version
City and desert coexist
Depending on the things you're wearing
Wildlife binoculars
Tell me that you want me
Tell me that you want me
They teach you suffer to resist
Too much intention Presbyterian
Mint julep testosterone
Tell me that you want me
Tell me that you want me
Cool
I'm just trying to be cool
It's all because of you
Some fanatic attitude
We're both on
Open for business says it all
You can't go wrong
Is Innocence too Immature where you're from?
Tell me that you want me
Tell me that you want it all
Two dozen pink and white ranunculus
Why, what are the problems to solve?
To part-time holy bachelors
Tell them that you want me
Tell them that you want me
Cool
I'm just trying to be cool
It's all because of you
Some fanatic attitude
We're both on
Open for business says it all
You can't go wrong
Compliments sound too cynical where you're from?
Tell me that you want me
Tell me what they want is
Gruesome
I don't care where you're from
Nothing's that personal
There is no physical evidence of cannibal boyfriends
ALTERNATIVE VERSION:
How I wish I knew
How I wish I knew you from before
'Till I die, 'till I die
'Till I die
Burn the avenues, until the city unfolds
Do we have to know
Do we have to know what truth is?
How I wish I knew
How I wish I knew you from before
'Till I die, 'till I die
'Till I die, 'till I die
I'm just too glad to say no, just too glad to say no
No, no, no, no
@kafka9204
I freaking hate that this version isn’t on Spotify
@damnson2207
yeah its supreme
@gamerspot11
I agree. The guitar sounds so much better in this version.
@droydful
Basically is Trying to be Cool mixed with Drakkar Noir
@yagosantos2658
The ending is a part of Drakkar Noir
@marty13612
@@droydfulyeah but the mix is much better IMO, especially the little guitar solo/fill after the second verse
@10amSanta
I feel like this song should play every time I put on sunglasses.
@tkrinkaku
10amSanta mood
@theshepherdsdog
Ur Daily Weirdøyessss@GuadalupeLuna
Play it for your self cause no matter what cool is cool and as long as you feel it why not look it. 😎😊