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.
Sucker For Punishment
Shortstraw Lyrics
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And you tell me I'm right, please
You can never look the other way, no
The other way, no, the other way
You gotta take what you get
Nice face with a corporate smile
Contested out of my eyes
We can die
We won't die
We might die
Life's a roundabout you see
No one knows the rules to those in Johannesburg
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
But I just said
Few moments till my feet give way
I cannot bear to keep it inside any longer
Can I get a little headbutt
Both sides to let me let you see
To the right and I feel brand new
Both sides to the left
Rising up to the day
I can't feel my legs
And I said hey
Pull me away
I can't guarantee that this will not end poorly
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
Get the fuck out of my way
Fucking up my day
I had a really difficult night last night
And I'm sorry if I took it out on you
Tell you again
No, it's better with friends
I hope this first impression doesn't tarnish our future
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
The lyrics of Shortstraw's song "Sucker For Punishment" delve into themes of self-awareness, personal struggles, and the intricacies of human relationships. The singer seems to be grappling with the need for validation and acceptance, as evidenced by the plea to be told they are right and the inability to ignore certain truths even when they are difficult to face. The repeated insistence on not being able to look the other way suggests a sense of responsibility and a desire for honesty in interactions with others.
The mention of a "nice face with a corporate smile" and the lyric "life's a roundabout you see" hint at the complexities and facades that can be present in social interactions or the corporate world. The singer seems to be trying to navigate through this maze of expectations and appearances, testing things out and potentially feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to conform or succeed in such environments. The uncertainty and ambiguity reflected in the line "we can die, we won't die, we might die" could be a reflection of the precarious nature of life and decision-making.
The reference to Johannesburg and the admission of being a "sucker for punishment" suggests a sense of being drawn into challenging or self-destructive situations, perhaps due to a lack of clear guidance or rules to follow. The singer acknowledges their own tendencies towards enduring hardship or choosing difficult paths, despite potentially knowing better. The repetition of this self-aware realization throughout the song underscores a sense of resignation or acceptance of one's own patterns and flaws.
The final verses of the song shift towards a more personal and apologetic tone, as the singer expresses regret for lashing out or causing harm to others due to their own internal struggles. The plea for understanding, the desire for friendship, and the acknowledgment of past mistakes reflect a vulnerability and a yearning for connection despite the ongoing battles with one's own demons. Ultimately, the song paints a portrait of a complex individual wrestling with inner turmoil, seeking solace in relationships, and coming to terms with their own self-destructive tendencies.
Line by Line Meaning
Could you look me in the eyes
Asking for honesty and directness in communication
And you tell me I'm right, please
Seeking validation and reassurance
You can never look the other way, no
Cannot ignore the truth or reality
The other way, no, the other way
Avoiding avoidance and confrontation
You gotta take what you get
Accepting life's uncertainties and challenges
Nice face with a corporate smile
Putting on a facade and hiding true emotions
Contested out of my eyes
Struggling with inner conflicts and doubts
Test them out
Challenge and confront emotions and thoughts
We can die
Acknowledging mortality and vulnerability
We won't die
Finding hope and resilience in difficult times
We might die
Recognizing uncertainty and unpredictability
Life’s a roundabout you see
Life is full of twists and turns and unpredictable
No one knows the rules to those in Johannesburg
Uncertainty and confusion in life's journey
I guess that I'm just a sucker for punishment
Admitting to being drawn to challenging situations
Few moments till my feet give way
Hanging on by a thread, reaching a breaking point
I cannot bear to keep it inside any longer
Feeling overwhelmed and needing to express emotions
Can I get a little headbutt
Seeking a small release or outlet for frustration
Both sides to let me let you see
Showing vulnerability and seeking understanding
To the right and I feel brand new
Finding growth or change in difficult situations
Both sides to the left
Balancing conflicting thoughts or emotions
Rising up to the day
Facing challenges and starting anew each day
I can't feel my legs
Feeling physically and emotionally drained
And I said hey
Attempting to connect or communicate
Pull me away
Seeking assistance or relief from stress
I can't guarantee that this will not end poorly
Acknowledging the risks and uncertainties in life
Get the fuck out of my way
Expressing frustration and anger towards obstacles
Fucking up my day
Negatively impacting or ruining the day
I had a really difficult night last night
Struggling with emotional turmoil or challenges
And I'm sorry if I took it out on you
Apologizing for projecting emotions onto others
Tell you again
Repeating a message or explanation
No, it’s better with friends
Recognizing the importance of support and companionship
I hope this first impression doesn't tarnish our future
Wishing for understanding and forgiveness for past actions
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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