Shane is a dynamic and charismatic artist whose performances are jaw-dropping in their expressive power. His delivery follows that of slam poetry and his performances and personae are at the vanguard of the live poetry circuit in the U.S., Canada & the UK.
His written work has been well received in Canada & the UK. The initial print-run for his book Visiting Hours dwarfed the industry standards for poetry books. Visiting Hours was recommended as a Book of the Year 2005 by the Guardian and the Globe and Mail.
Together with Mighty Mike McGee and C. R. Avery, he is the co-founder of spoken word, "talk rock" trio, Tons of Fun University.
Specials
Shane Koyczan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She says, "
You are expected to participate in this life so don't be shy to ask questions."
Tammy's real name is Dorothy.
Its the first thing you'll learn about her,
when she points to her nametag with a finger like a switchblade that's been flirting with a waterbed, looks you in the eye and says, "
This isn't me."
She'll go on to tell you that Tammy is the best waitress in the whole wide world.
Skipping each love-me-not flower petal, until all that remains is the love, love me.
Dorothy doesn't ask if you want coffee.
She pours it hot, careful not to hit the brim, just shallow enough to leave enough room to turn up the volume with cream and sugar if that's how you take it, I don't even drink coffee.
But I can see that she has danced this dance so often that her steady grace depends on this routine.
She's been subjected to cruelty over empty cups of coffee, treated as if she is somehow responsible for your long night or rough morning.
She holds a pen like a warning and is not shy to remind you that she doesn't take orders, she takes requests.
You can tell her what you'd like, but if you're not polite about it, she'll point you to a sign that reads: Shoes and shirts are nice, but manners are a must.
If you wanna be served, you better dust off your ettiquette.
Better sit like you did back in whatever grade that mad it clear to you that your teachers are not your parents, and that any mess you make remains your responsibility.
Dorotthy has set the bar so high for world's best waitress, that I wonder about Tammy.
How could she hold a candle to this woman who's kicking wisdom into me as swiftly as she's kicking the bullshit out.
She tells me about dreams.
She says, " My dreams are helium balloons, and I've made the mistake of letting go a few too many times but I still got this one.
Tied it around my finger like a wedding ring, because even though I don't believe in marraige, I'm gonna bring this one home."
And I want so bad to ask her what her dream is.
But today I'm thinking maybe its enough that she has one.
Maybe its enough that she's holding on to something in a world where everything else floats away.
Maybe this one should stay her business, this one thing that she shouldn't have to explain to anybody.
Kinda like the fact that she gave up softness a long time ago.
I know because she wears her eyes like two diamonds, cut into spheres, and she will look at you hard.
The other diners would call her blunt, not me, I would call her up-front.
LIke that kid at the front of the class that always has his hand raised
The song "Specials" by Shane Koyczan tells the story of a waitress named Dorothy, who goes by the name Tammy at work. The lyrics emphasize the importance of asking questions in life and participating actively. Tammy is described as a skilled waitress who takes pride in her work, despite being subjected to cruelty and disrespect from some customers. The singer admires her strength and resilience, as well as her ability to hold on to her dreams and her sense of self.
The song also touches on themes of identity and authenticity. Tammy's decision to go by a different name at work represents a struggle to reconcile her identity with societal expectations. She is described as a tough and uncompromising person, but also vulnerable in her own way. The lyrics suggest that her diamond-like eyes represent a defense mechanism against a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.
Overall, the song presents a message of admiration for those who manage to navigate life on their own terms, in spite of obstacles and setbacks. It encourages the listener to embrace their own uniqueness and to be brave enough to ask questions and seek out their own dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
She won't tell you about the specials unless you ask her to.
Tammy believes life is about participation and encourages people to ask questions. She won't share information unless you ask.
Tammy's real name is Dorothy.
Tammy is not the name given to her at birth; her real name is Dorothy.
Its the first thing you'll learn about her, when she points to her nametag with a finger like a switchblade that's been flirting with a waterbed, looks you in the eye and says, " This isn't me."
When Tammy (Dorothy) introduces herself, she points to her nametag in a theatrical way to convey that her job doesn't define who she is.
She'll go on to tell you that Tammy is the best waitress in the whole wide world.
Tammy (Dorothy) takes pride in her work as a waitress and believes she's the best in the world.
If mountains had heart strings, Tammy woud have them curled around her fingers, and she would be mining hard rock for heavy metal. Skipping each love-me-not flower petal, until all that remains is the love, love me.
Tammy has an infectious energetic personality and loves her job as a waitress. She is not afraid of hard work and mines for the good in others while ignoring any negativity.
Dorothy doesn't ask if you want coffee.
Tammy (Dorothy) assumes that you want coffee and serves it without asking.
She pours it hot, careful not to hit the brim, just shallow enough to leave enough room to turn up the volume with cream and sugar if that's how you take it, I don't even drink coffee.
Tammy (Dorothy) is skilled at her job and pours coffee with precision, leaving room for customization, even though the author doesn't drink coffee.
But I can see that she has danced this dance so often that her steady grace depends on this routine.
Tammy (Dorothy) has been a waitress for a long time and has mastered her job, relying on routine to maintain her steady grace.
She's been subjected to cruelty over empty cups of coffee, treated as if she is somehow responsible for your long night or rough morning.
Tammy (Dorothy) has been treated unfairly by customers who blame her for their bad day or long night, despite her hard work and dedication as a waitress.
She holds a pen like a warning and is not shy to remind you that she doesn't take orders, she takes requests.
Tammy (Dorothy) takes pride in her work and reminds customers that they are making requests, not giving orders. She holds her pen ready to take notes and ensure she gets the order right.
You can tell her what you'd like, but if you're not polite about it, she'll point you to a sign that reads: Shoes and shirts are nice, but manners are a must.
Tammy (Dorothy) expects customers to be polite and has a sign reminding them that manners are essential.
If you wanna be served, you better dust off your ettiquette.
Tammy (Dorothy) expects customers to have good manners and behave appropriately.
Better sit like you did back in whatever grade that mad it clear to you that your teachers are not your parents, and that any mess you make remains your responsibility.
Tammy (Dorothy) expects customers to take responsibility for their actions and clean up after themselves, like they were taught in school.
Dorotthy has set the bar so high for world's best waitress, that I wonder about Tammy.
Tammy (Dorothy) has set an incredibly high standard for service, and the author wonders if anyone else can match her level of excellence.
How could she hold a candle to this woman who's kicking wisdom into me as swiftly as she's kicking the bullshit out.
Tammy (Dorothy) is wise and insightful, and the author finds her advice invaluable. She takes no nonsense from anyone and is not afraid to speak her mind.
She tells me about dreams.
Tammy (Dorothy) shares her dreams with the author.
She says, " My dreams are helium balloons, and I've made the mistake of letting go a few too many times but I still got this one. Tied it around my finger like a wedding ring, because even though I don't believe in marraige, I'm gonna bring this one home."
Tammy (Dorothy) has had many dreams in her life, but has let go of some of them. She is currently holding on to one dream, tied around her finger like a ring, which she plans to make a reality.
And I want so bad to ask her what her dream is.
The author is curious about Tammy's (Dorothy's) dream and wants to ask her about it.
But today I'm thinking maybe its enough that she has one.
The author realizes that it might be enough for Tammy (Dorothy) to simply have a dream, even if he doesn't know what it is.
Maybe its enough that she's holding on to something in a world where everything else floats away.
Tammy (Dorothy) holds onto her dream in a world where so many other things are fleeting and temporary. Having something to hold onto gives her hope and purpose.
Maybe this one should stay her business, this one thing that she shouldn't have to explain to anybody.
Tammy's (Dorothy's) dream is personal and meaningful to her, and the author thinks she shouldn't have to explain it to anyone else.
Kinda like the fact that she gave up softness a long time ago.
Tammy (Dorothy) is tough and has given up being soft, likely due to life experiences.
I know because she wears her eyes like two diamonds, cut into spheres, and she will look at you hard.
Tammy (Dorothy) has piercing eyes that convey her strength and resilience.
The other diners would call her blunt, not me, I would call her up-front.
Other customers might consider Tammy (Dorothy) to be abrupt or rude, but the author sees her as honest and straightforward.
LIke that kid at the front of the class that always has his hand raised
Tammy (Dorothy) is like the kid at the front of the class who always has the answer and is unafraid to speak their mind.
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dallasalexandria6084
She won't tell you about the specials unless you ask her to.
She says, "you are expected to participate in this life so don't be shy to ask questions."
Tammy's real name is Dorothy.
Its the first thing you'll learn about her,
when she points to her nametag with a finger like a switchblade that's been flirting with a waterbed, looks you in the eye and says, "this isn't me."
She'll go on to tell you that Tammy is the best waitress in the whole wide world.
If mountains had heart strings, Tammy woud have them curled around her fingers, and she would be mining hard rock for heavy metal.
Skipping each love-me-not flower petal, until all that remains is the love, love me.
Dorothy doesn't ask if you want coffee.
She pours it hot, careful not to hit the brim, just shallow enough to leave enough room to turn up the volume with cream and sugar if that's how you take it, I don't even drink coffee.
But I can see that she has danced this dance so often that her steady grace depends on this routine.
She's been subjected to cruelty over empty cups of coffee, treated as if she is somehow responsible for your long night or rough morning.
She holds a pen like a warning and is not shy to remind you that she doesn't take orders, she takes requests.
You can tell her what you'd like, but if you're not polite about it, she'll point you to a sign that reads: Shoes and shirts are nice, but manners are a must.
If you wanna be served, you better dust off your ettiquette.
Better sit like you did back in whatever grade that mad it clear to you that your teachers are not your parents, and that any mess you make remains your responsibility.
Dorotthy has set the bar so high for world's best waitress, that I wonder about Tammy.
How could she hold a candle to this woman who's kicking wisdom into me as swiftly as she's kicking the bullsh** out.
She tells me about dreams.
She says, " My dreams are helium balloons, and I've made the mistake of letting go a few too many times but I still got this one.
Tied it around my finger like a wedding ring, because even though I don't believe in marraige, I'm gonna bring this one home."
And I want so bad to ask her what her dream is.
But today I'm thinking maybe its enough that she has one.
Maybe its enough that she's holding on to something in a world where everything else floats away.
Maybe this one should stay her business, this one thing that she shouldn't have to explain to anybody.
Kinda like the fact that she gave up softness a long time ago.
I know because she wears her eyes like two diamonds, cut into spheres, and she will look at you hard.
The other diners would call her blunt, not me, I'd call her up-front.
LIke that kid at the head of the cla** that always has his hand raised.
Not because she's got answers but becasue somtimes she is willing to ask the questions.
I ask; so who's Tammy?
Instantly I can see that its the lump in her throat thats stopping the words from getting out. I can tell that theres a story here that starts like an earthquake and ends like a hurricane. That there isnt a stormdrain big enough to collect all the tears she shed for this woman who's nametag she wears like a shield against the worlds cruelty.
Dorothy clears her throat, smiles and says; you havent touched your coffee.
We dont always get the answers we want.
Somtimes a simple look can haunt us enough to know that some ghosts need their rest.
That some stories are dressed in the flesh of other people because they dont wanna be seen. Dorothy has been holding on to something and as much I want to bring it out of her I can see how sure she is that this story is not for me.
We both acknowledge that I will never know what it means to be the last one left to lock up after the cook has gone home and the lights have been turned low.
I will never know what it means to go from the front door to the parking lot wondering if all the guys I served today got the hint I'm not to be f**ed with.
I can see why she is sharp, why she traded in her softness for edges. I can see that her eyelids are ledges that tears have stepped out over. Her story is one I will never know because I was born a man.
I can only mind my manners and accept that some things are none of my business. That this space we share is a gift and I'm only here with her consent. And it remains my responsibility not to be the next guy who puts another dent in her heart by trespa**ing into a territory that she has marked off limits. The radio spits out another song that makes it sound like the world doesnt have to worry about the way it is. It should.
Granted it would be easier if everything we needed to know was written on a menu board.
But nowadays we should know enough that its up to us to ask about the specials. To not a**ume that just because our coffee is empty, we are somehow entitled to having more. Because its not just about putting forth the questions, its about accepting the answers we ask for"
Lyrics copied and pasted from google...i wanted to be able to read along...
@zstoor21
I've been looking for this poem everywhere. It was banned in the US for copy right infringement, so thank you for this. I have always loved this poem so much.
@MrShinnickNeth
You're very welcome! :)
@dallasalexandria6084
She won't tell you about the specials unless you ask her to.
She says, "you are expected to participate in this life so don't be shy to ask questions."
Tammy's real name is Dorothy.
Its the first thing you'll learn about her,
when she points to her nametag with a finger like a switchblade that's been flirting with a waterbed, looks you in the eye and says, "this isn't me."
She'll go on to tell you that Tammy is the best waitress in the whole wide world.
If mountains had heart strings, Tammy woud have them curled around her fingers, and she would be mining hard rock for heavy metal.
Skipping each love-me-not flower petal, until all that remains is the love, love me.
Dorothy doesn't ask if you want coffee.
She pours it hot, careful not to hit the brim, just shallow enough to leave enough room to turn up the volume with cream and sugar if that's how you take it, I don't even drink coffee.
But I can see that she has danced this dance so often that her steady grace depends on this routine.
She's been subjected to cruelty over empty cups of coffee, treated as if she is somehow responsible for your long night or rough morning.
She holds a pen like a warning and is not shy to remind you that she doesn't take orders, she takes requests.
You can tell her what you'd like, but if you're not polite about it, she'll point you to a sign that reads: Shoes and shirts are nice, but manners are a must.
If you wanna be served, you better dust off your ettiquette.
Better sit like you did back in whatever grade that mad it clear to you that your teachers are not your parents, and that any mess you make remains your responsibility.
Dorotthy has set the bar so high for world's best waitress, that I wonder about Tammy.
How could she hold a candle to this woman who's kicking wisdom into me as swiftly as she's kicking the bullsh** out.
She tells me about dreams.
She says, " My dreams are helium balloons, and I've made the mistake of letting go a few too many times but I still got this one.
Tied it around my finger like a wedding ring, because even though I don't believe in marraige, I'm gonna bring this one home."
And I want so bad to ask her what her dream is.
But today I'm thinking maybe its enough that she has one.
Maybe its enough that she's holding on to something in a world where everything else floats away.
Maybe this one should stay her business, this one thing that she shouldn't have to explain to anybody.
Kinda like the fact that she gave up softness a long time ago.
I know because she wears her eyes like two diamonds, cut into spheres, and she will look at you hard.
The other diners would call her blunt, not me, I'd call her up-front.
LIke that kid at the head of the cla** that always has his hand raised.
Not because she's got answers but becasue somtimes she is willing to ask the questions.
I ask; so who's Tammy?
Instantly I can see that its the lump in her throat thats stopping the words from getting out. I can tell that theres a story here that starts like an earthquake and ends like a hurricane. That there isnt a stormdrain big enough to collect all the tears she shed for this woman who's nametag she wears like a shield against the worlds cruelty.
Dorothy clears her throat, smiles and says; you havent touched your coffee.
We dont always get the answers we want.
Somtimes a simple look can haunt us enough to know that some ghosts need their rest.
That some stories are dressed in the flesh of other people because they dont wanna be seen. Dorothy has been holding on to something and as much I want to bring it out of her I can see how sure she is that this story is not for me.
We both acknowledge that I will never know what it means to be the last one left to lock up after the cook has gone home and the lights have been turned low.
I will never know what it means to go from the front door to the parking lot wondering if all the guys I served today got the hint I'm not to be f**ed with.
I can see why she is sharp, why she traded in her softness for edges. I can see that her eyelids are ledges that tears have stepped out over. Her story is one I will never know because I was born a man.
I can only mind my manners and accept that some things are none of my business. That this space we share is a gift and I'm only here with her consent. And it remains my responsibility not to be the next guy who puts another dent in her heart by trespa**ing into a territory that she has marked off limits. The radio spits out another song that makes it sound like the world doesnt have to worry about the way it is. It should.
Granted it would be easier if everything we needed to know was written on a menu board.
But nowadays we should know enough that its up to us to ask about the specials. To not a**ume that just because our coffee is empty, we are somehow entitled to having more. Because its not just about putting forth the questions, its about accepting the answers we ask for"
Lyrics copied and pasted from google...i wanted to be able to read along...
@annayagoubian717
Beautiful original thought written in great fluid manner oration is clear articulate and the emphasis on certain words is excellent.
@conleyyy
You are expected to participate in this life,
So don’t be shy to ask questions,
This has literally been a theme of my life since hearing this.
Unreal poet that I owe a lot to.
@hazelheard2702
I am so grateful that you put this up. Thank you once again 😊
@MrShinnickNeth
You're welcome! I'm just glad other people enjoy Shane's work. All of this wouldn't be possible without him. His words are sublime!
@cthulhusgrandmother3553
Am so glad I subscribed to you. I love Shane Koyczan and there's a lot here I haven't heard.
@MrShinnickNeth
I'm glad you're enjoying the content. More will be uploaded in the future... ;)
@leena.1102
I am in actual love with this