Bad Example
Pistol Annies Lyrics
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Teach all the prim and propers what not to do
Nobody around here wants to ramble
What the hell, that's what I was born to do
Those swanky big brick houses don't amuse me
I live in a trailer but I drive a Cadillac
I ain't never tried to impress nobody
Somebody had to set a bad example
Teach all the prim and propers what not to do
Nobody around here wants to ramble
What the hell, that's what I was born to do
All of the girls that I grew up with went to college
Their rich daddies bought them a degree
But I'm a third generation bartender
Yeah, and I like livin' from a tip jar week to week
Somebody had to set a bad example
Teach all the prim and propers what not to do
Nobody around here wants to ramble
What the hell, that's what I was born to do
Somebody had to set a bad example
Teach all the prim and propers what not to do
Nobody around here wants to ramble
What the hell, that's what I was born to do
I said, what the hell, that's what I was born to do
In the song "Bad Example" by the Pistol Annies, the singer is unapologetic about her unconventional lifestyle and choices, even though they may not be considered socially acceptable. The opening line, "Somebody had to set a bad example," suggests that the singer sees herself as a trailblazer, someone who is defying societal norms and expectations. She takes pride in being different from the "prim and propers" who live in fancy houses and go to college because she believes that she was born to be a rebel.
The lyrics also highlight the singer's love of the simple life. She lives in a trailer but owns a Cadillac, and she likes working as a bartender because it allows her to live "from a tip jar week to week." She doesn't care if people judge her for her choices, though. Instead, she revels in the freedom that comes from living life on her own terms.
Overall, "Bad Example" is a celebration of individuality and nonconformity. The singer is proud to be a "bad example" because it means that she's living life on her own terms and not trying to fit into anybody else's mold.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody had to set a bad example
It's important to have role models who aren't perfect, so others can learn what not to do.
Teach all the prim and propers what not to do
By being a bad example, I can show others that there's more to life than trying to be perfect and following all the rules.
Nobody around here wants to ramble
People in this town don't like to take risks or be adventurous.
What the hell, that's what I was born to do
I was meant to be a rebel and do things my own way, even if it's not socially acceptable.
Those swanky big brick houses don't amuse me
I don't care about living in a fancy house, material possessions are not what define me.
I live in a trailer but I drive a Cadillac
I may not have a lot of money, but I value having a nice car that makes me happy.
I ain't never tried to impress nobody
I don't care what other people think of me or my choices.
With my "Honk if you're horny" sticker on the back
I'm not afraid to be bold or unconventional, even if it means having an inappropriate bumper sticker.
All of the girls that I grew up with went to college
Most girls from my hometown chose to pursue higher education.
Their rich daddies bought them a degree
Their families had the financial means to pay for their education, giving them a head start in life.
But I'm a third generation bartender
Unlike my peers, I chose a different path that doesn't require a college degree.
Yeah, and I like livin' from a tip jar week to week
Despite the financial instability, I value the freedom and sense of fulfillment that comes with my job.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MIRANDA LAMBERT, ASHLEY MONROE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Pascoe
I can only say that I love the Pistol Annies and always look forward to their next song. Keep doing what you do best ladies and that is make great music.
Rachel Dickson
Hi Miranda, Ashley and Angaleena with your band, absolutely beautiful guitar playing with awesome lyrics and your beautiful voices 💝 LOVE IT 💝😊 Thank You so much for sharing this with us 💝🤗 Sending lots of love to all of you and your families from Melbourne, Australia
Katie
Definitely one of my top 3 from this album ❤️❤️❤️🦌
E Mc2
MORE MEMORIES TO BE MADE TO EVERY SONG!! 🍻
Cory Beard
Love it!
Dawn Mays
Absolutely awesome! Story of my life Lol 😂. I may play it for Thanksgiving
David McGinley
One of my favourites
Carolyn Ussery
Another great song!!
Diana L. Brown-Moore
How do I get a song to you ladies? I think you'd rock these lyrics!
Rose Carey
Kickass song!!!!