'Son of a Plumber' differs from Per Gessle's previous solo work in that it is a full band, where he is joined by Clarence Öfwerman on keyboards, Christoffer Lundquist on guitar, Jens Jansson on drums, and Helena Josefsson.
Per Gessle has described 'Son of a Plumber' as a very personal album (and project), dedicated to his father. In style the album is similar to The Beatles' White Album, with several references to the Beatles in the song lyrics.
Substitute
Son Of A Plumber Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She doesn't like your new haircut?
Way too long in the back? - it's alright!
She comes and goes
She doesn't like your faded clothes
Hey you're sleazier than most but it's alright!
She can still change her mind
And stay the night
You're a substitute for the real deal
A substitute for the real deal
That she wants so bad
She wants so bad
She says so
She doesn't like your rock'n roll
Cos it makes her feel old but it's alright
She comes and goes
She doesn't like your fading clothes
You look cheaper than most but it's alright!
She can still change her mind
And stay the night
Stay the night
You're a substitute for the real deal
A substitute for the real deal
That she wants so bad
She wants so bad .
You killed an elephant to find an ant
You made a point that came and went
You're a substitute for the real deal
Such a substitute for the real deal
© gessle / jimmy fun music / june 2005
"Substitute" by Son Of A Plumber is a song about being a substitute for someone's perfect partner. The song begins with the girl criticizing the singer's haircut and his worn-out clothes, but the singer reassures himself that it is okay. He says that she can still change her mind, and he can still be with her for the night, implying that he is a temporary solution or a substitute for someone else.
The chorus is a repetition of the line "You're a substitute for the real deal, that she wants so bad." It is clear that the girl desires someone else, and the singer is just filling in for the time being. The second verse has more criticism from the girl, this time about the singer's interest in rock n' roll, which she finds unappealing because it makes her feel outdated. However, the singer says it is okay and that he is still available for the night.
The bridge of the song compares the singer's role to killing an elephant to find an ant, implying that he is going to great lengths to be with someone who only sees him as a temporary fix. In conclusion, "Substitute" by Son Of A Plumber is a song about being the runner-up in someone's romantic life.
Line by Line Meaning
She says what?
She's expressing surprise or disbelief at something you said or did
She doesn't like your new haircut?
She disapproves of your recent grooming decision
Way too long in the back? - it's alright!
She thinks your hair is too long in the back, but you don't mind
She comes and goes
She's inconsistent and unpredictable in her behavior
She doesn't like your faded clothes
She thinks your clothes are worn out and unattractive
Hey you're sleazier than most but it's alright!
She thinks you're kind of sleazy, but you're okay with it
She can still change her mind
She's not committed to any decision she's made
And stay the night
She has the option to spend the night with you
You're a substitute for the real deal
You're not the genuine article; you're a replacement
That she wants so bad
She desires the original thing very strongly
She says so
She expresses her opinion outright
She doesn't like your rock'n roll
She dislikes your taste in music
Cos it makes her feel old but it's alright
Rock and roll music makes her feel old, but you're okay with that
You look cheaper than most but it's alright!
Your appearance is somewhat tacky, but you're okay with it
You killed an elephant to find an ant
You've done something excessive or unnecessary in the pursuit of something small
You made a point that came and went
Your argument had no lasting impact or relevance
Writer(s): PER HAKAN GESSLE
Contributed by Charlie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
RealEyes C
Been in this situation and it is so incredibly painful to be treated differently/shamefully in public by one you love. I'm glad I chose to end that painful chapter.
LENOVOVO
Amen brother.
Van Thangloi Nguyen
Hi
devonguy02
If someones not comfortable and knows who they are sexuality wise then they cant be themselves and comit to someone else properly you did well to walk mate hope things better for you now !
PU ZOU😘
Yes am. I gay☺😍
Iam Rodrigues
Jam Rorideus Finnuno
Daviddv1202
Enough to make a straight guy love it! You guys are true film makers with true romance. I am now part of the LGBT community fighting for you guys.
Jnatthhan
😏😏😌😌
Rebel with a Royal heart
Thanks for supporting us!💟 <3 iT means the world to me to see straight people who support our community! <3
Diego Pelcastre
+Jonathan Santana
megustas