shortstraw started out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band consisting of the enigma that is oliver nathan and what most would call 'sarcastic', alastair thomas. they played a few shows in and around melville, joburg before bringing in the guitar and keyboard skills of jay hartford and the basswork of the esteemed and handsome phil brierley. now a four-piece, slightly less folky outfit, shortstraw aim to hit the gigging circuit with guns blazing, so look out for a show near you... fuck that's boring. apologies. frankie says go fuck yourself.
Boxing Day
Shortstraw Lyrics
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There's too much going on inside your head
As our clothes fall to the floor
It's all shit that we have done before
If only you weren't so predictable
I'm black and blue
But I've got this swelling under control
Before you explode
A little bit of sugar makes the medicine taste sweeter
So don't explode
Because I'll never get the satisfaction if you let me win
This reminds me of when we first met
A night out that I never won't forget
You said, "Why should I waste my time?"
And I have been denied
If only you weren't so unpredictable
I'm black, you're blue
But we've got this swelling under control
Before you explode
(This won't end well)
A little bit of sugar makes the medicine taste sweeter
So don't explode
Because I'll never get the satisfaction if you let me win
Where are my manners, let me take off your dress
There's nothing on your body that I wouldn't caress
Let's be polite, let me turn on the lights
There's no use fumbling around when you're in your dressing gown
Cos you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman Cos you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman Cos you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman
Don't look now
Im staring down your dressing gown
Don't be so proud
It's nothing I haven't seen before
The lyrics to Shortstraw's Boxing Day paint a picture of a couple who have been together for a while, but are experiencing some recurring issues. The first verse highlights their routine and past mistakes, with the singer suggesting that the other party is predictable. The chorus plays into this idea, with the suggestion that they need to calm down before things "explode". The singer acknowledges that a little sweetness can help the situation, but also notes that it's important not to let them win too easily. The second verse then takes a nostalgic turn, recounting the night they first met and the other party's initial reluctance. The chorus repeats, and the song ends with a somewhat suggestive final verse about undressing and familiarity.
Overall, the lyrics are about the give and take of a long-term relationship, where the excitement of the early days is replaced by a sense of routine and occasional conflict. The singer oscillates between wanting to deescalate the situation and wanting to come out on top, which feels true to life for many people. The final verse adds a touch of humor and sensuality to the song, suggesting that at the end of the day, these two people are still very much into each other.
Line by Line Meaning
A bunch of things that we've already said
There are a lot of topics that we have discussed numerous times before.
There's too much going on inside your head
You have a lot of thoughts and emotions that are overwhelming you.
As our clothes fall to the floor
As we undress and get intimate.
It's all shit that we have done before
We are doing the same routine that we have done many times in the past.
If only you weren't so predictable
It would be nice if you surprised me once in a while.
I'm black and blue
I have physical bruises from something that happened.
But I've got this swelling under control
I am managing the physical pain and not allowing it to get worse.
Before you explode
(This won't end well)
Before you lose your temper and things get worse.
A little bit of sugar makes the medicine taste sweeter
Adding a pleasant element to something unpleasant can make it more bearable.
So don't explode
Because I'll never get the satisfaction if you let me win
If you remain calm, I will not be able to provoke you and 'win' the argument.
This reminds me of when we first met
A night out that I never won't forget
You said, "Why should I waste my time?"
And I have been denied
If only you weren't so unpredictable
I remember the night we met and how you initially were not interested. I wish you were more consistent in your feelings and actions towards me.
I'm black, you're blue
But we've got this swelling under control
Before you explode
(This won't end well)
We both have bruises, but we are managing the physical pain before an argument escalates and causes more issues.
Where are my manners, let me take off your dress
There's nothing on your body that I wouldn't caress
Let's be polite, let me turn on the lights
There's no use fumbling around when you're in your dressing gown
Allow me to politely undress you, and let's make sure we can see what we're doing to avoid any awkwardness.
Cos you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman
Cos you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman
Cos you'd do it yourself if I wasn't such a gentleman
Don't look now
Im staring down your dressing gown
Don't be so proud
It's nothing I haven't seen before
You could undress yourself, but I am being chivalrous. I am looking at your body, but there is no need to be embarrassed because I have seen it before.
Contributed by Gianna B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.