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.
Uh Oh
Shortstraw Lyrics
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Uh oh
Uh oh
You say I'm acting stupid but you did the same
Uh oh
Uh oh
I wonder what would happen if I walked away
Uh oh
It doesn't really matter cause you know I'll stay
Uh oh
Uh oh
And I'll do anything you tell me to
Uh oh
Uh oh
Its just another reason to forget my name
Uh oh
Uh oh
You make the mistakes and I'll take the blame
Uh oh
Uh oh
And I'll do anything you tell me just as long as you tell me to do it
Ride your coattails
Ride them till I'm into view
But you close the curtains
And block out what they say to you
And give me another clue to remember your name
Uh oh
Uh oh
Well, what was it (Oh, that was actually quite embarrassing)
Uh oh
Uh oh
And I'll do anything you tell me just as long as you tell me to do it
I'll ride your coattails
Ride them till I'm into view
But you'll close the curtains
And block out what those people say and
Ride your coattails
Ride them till I'm into view
But you'll close the curtains
And block out what those stupid people say to you
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
And I'll do anything you tell me just as long as you tell me to do it
I'll ride your coattails
Ride them till I'm into view
But you'll close the curtains
And block out what those people say and
Ride the coattails
Ride them till I'm into view
But you'll close the curtains
And block out what those stupid people say
Leave me dry (Ride your coattails)
And block me out some other time (Ride them till I'm into view)
Don't turn around (But you close the curtains)
I don't want you to change your mind (And lock out what those people say)
Leave me dry (Ride your coattails)
And block me out some other time (Ride them till I'm into view)
Don't turn around (But you close the curtains)
And block out what those stupid people say to you
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
Uh oh
In these lyrics, the singer is expressing their frustration and confusion in a relationship. They ask for another reason to forget the other person's name, suggesting that they want to distance themselves from them. However, they also acknowledge that they have made similar mistakes, indicating that both parties have contributed to the problems in the relationship.
Despite the frustration, the singer is willing to do anything the other person asks of them. This could suggest a certain level of desperation or a feeling of being controlled in the relationship. They are willing to take the blame for the mistakes made and follow the other person's lead.
The next part of the song talks about riding on the other person's coattails, trying to become visible and acknowledged. However, the other person closes the curtains and disregards what others say, implying that they don't care about the singer's efforts for recognition or validation.
The repetition of "uh oh" throughout the song could signify a sense of realization or concern about the current state of the relationship. It could also imply a feeling of apprehension that things may not change or improve.
The closing lines suggest a plea for the other person not to abandon the singer. They don't want the other person to turn their back or change their mind about the relationship. However, they also sarcastically refer to others as "stupid people," suggesting that they no longer prioritize the opinions of outsiders.
Overall, the lyrics convey a mixture of frustration, a desire for recognition, and a fear of being abandoned in a problematic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Just give me another reason to forget your name
Please provide me with a justification to erase your presence from my mind
You say I'm acting stupid but you did the same
Although you claim that I am behaving foolishly, you yourself have also displayed similar behavior
I wonder what would happen if I walked away
I am contemplating the potential outcome of my departure
It doesn't really matter cause you know I'll stay
Ultimately, it holds no significance as you are aware that I will remain by your side
And I'll do anything you tell me to
I am willing to comply with your instructions without hesitation
Its just another reason to forget my name
This serves as an additional motive to obliterate any recollection of my identity
You make the mistakes and I'll take the blame
While you commit errors, I am ready to accept responsibility on your behalf
And I'll do anything you tell me just as long as you tell me to do it
As long as you issue the command, I am prepared to execute any request you make
Ride your coattails
I will metaphorically latch onto your achievements or successes
Ride them till I'm into view
I will remain connected to your accomplishments until I am noticed or acknowledged
But you close the curtains
However, you choose to conceal or shield yourself from external opinions or critiques
And block out what they say to you
Rejecting or disregarding the comments and judgments of others
Give me another clue to remember your name
Kindly offer me an additional hint so that I may retain knowledge of your identity
Well, what was it
Well, I must ask, what was it that slipped my memory
I'll ride your coattails
I will continue to attach myself to your accomplishments or achievements
But you'll close the curtains
However, you will persistently evade or shield yourself from external criticisms or judgments
And block out what those people say to you
You will actively disregard or disregard the opinions and comments of others
Leave me dry
Abandon or neglect me emotionally
And block me out some other time
Exclude or isolate me on another occasion
Don't turn around
Please refrain from changing your perspective or reconsidering your decision
I don't want you to change your mind
It is my desire for you to maintain your current stance or opinion
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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