Like many of their stablemates, the band hailed from the southern city of Dunedin. They formed from the ashes of The Double Happys, a band comprised of Shayne Carter, Wayne Elsey and John Collie. The tragic accidental death of Elsey saw the two remaining Double Happys join forces with David Wood in 1986 to form Straitjacket Fits. Andrew Brough (from The Orange) signed on the following year, adding a foil in the form of pop sensibility to Carter's more raucous songwriting. From their inception, the sound of the band was marked by the seemingly incongruous but highly effective pairing of Carter's rough abrasive voice and strident guitar and Andrew Brough's saccharine-sweet vocals and pop hooks.
More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straitjacket_Fits
If I Were You
Straitjacket Fits Lyrics
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I'd try the new one on, admire the way it looks so good on
If I were you and yours was mine, I′d take like a dog to the water
All I could do with the brand new sway, oh
If I were you, I'd hold you and touch all the water
I wouldn't stay up too long
Maybe for just a while, long enough to feel the place where you live
I′d watch the words I said and wash my mouth and start again
Unscrew the thread that changed your mind
And twist it the way that you would have
If I were you then you'd define
I′d do it the way that you should have
And if I were you, I wouldn't come down so soon
If I were you, put on like a coat in the winter
I wouldn′t stay up so long
Maybe for just a while, pray on everything you think about, time I said
And I come, come too soon
Do, do do do, do do
Do, do, do do, ahh
If I were you, I wouldn't come down so soon
If I were you, give me something new to think about
If I were you, I wouldn′t trade places, no
And if I were you, I'd be like a light switched on in your room
The lyrics to Straitjacket Fits's song If I Were You suggest that the singer is advising their friend to adopt a new perspective in order to change their life for the better. The idea of putting on a new coat or dress and taking things in a new direction is echoed throughout the song, suggesting that a fresh start might be just what is needed. The repeated assertion that "if I were you" things would be different suggests that the friend is in need of a new perspective, and that the singer is trying to help them see things in a new light.
The line "I'd hold you and touch all the water" is an interesting one, as it suggests a desire to experience and explore everything that life has to offer. Similarly, the line "I'd be like a light switched on in your room" suggests that the singer wants to inspire their friend to a new way of thinking, to see things in a different way.
Overall, the lyrics to If I Were You are hopeful and optimistic, suggesting that change is possible and that things can always get better if we are open to new ideas and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
If I were you my friend, I′d clear my head and start again
If I were in your shoes, I would begin anew by first clearing my mind.
I'd try the new one on, admire the way it looks so good on
I would experiment with new possibilities and appreciate how they make me feel and look.
If I were you and yours was mine, I′d take like a dog to the water
If I were in your place, I would be enthusiastic about a new opportunity and jump at it eagerly.
All I could do with the brand new sway, oh
I would explore the potential of a new situation and enjoy the positive influence it has on me.
If I were you, I'd hold you and touch all the water
I would immerse myself completely in the experience and savour every moment of it.
I wouldn't stay up too long
Maybe for just a while, long enough to feel the place where you live
I would not prolong the experience indefinitely, but rather stay long enough to gain a deeper understanding of your situation and context.
If I were you my friend, I′d wear your dress and steal your friends
I′d watch the words I said and wash my mouth and start again
If I were in your shoes, I would try to immerse myself fully in your life and experiences by adopting your habits and making new friends. I would also be careful with my words and begin anew if necessary.
Unscrew the thread that changed your mind
And twist it the way that you would have
I would unravel the thought process that led you to a particular conclusion and rework it according to your wishes and values.
If I were you then you'd define
I′d do it the way that you should have
If I were in your position, I would define my values and beliefs and act accordingly to create the best outcomes.
And if I were you, I wouldn't come down so soon
If I were you, put on like a coat in the winter
I wouldn′t stay up so long
Maybe for just a while, pray on everything you think about, time I said
If I were in your shoes, I would not give up on an experience too soon or get too caught up in it. I would treat it like a warm coat on a cold day and stay for the right amount of time to fully process everything.
And I come, come too soon
Do, do do do, do do
Do, do, do do, ahh
I would be careful not to arrive at conclusions or make judgments too quickly without fully understanding the dynamics of the situation.
If I were you, give me something new to think about
If I were you, I wouldn′t trade places, no
And if I were you, I'd be like a light switched on in your room
If I were in your situation, I would strive to offer new perspectives and ideas to help you think differently. I would not trade my position because I am content with it and would gladly bring some light to brighten your life.
Writer(s): Shayne Carter
Contributed by Savannah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dagrubster
Cheers stomps!
@1seesaw2
That sounds like a song from the mid to late 60's.
@iandalziel7405
<ahem> - Straitjacket fits - you know, like on the cover you've used - otherwise damn fine song
(Flying Nun turns 40 this year!)