"Size Too Small" is track twenty-six on the iTunes release of the “Illinois… Read Full Bio ↴"Size Too Small" is track twenty-six on the iTunes release of the “Illinois” album as a live performance.

During a 2004 performance at Calvin College, Sufjan explained that the song is about being the best man at a wedding and your best friend is the bride, but your tuxedo is a size too small. According to some rumors, and possibly a few performances, the bride is Robin, Sufjan’s ex-girlfriend, who remained a good friend of Sufjan’s, though no one has proof of this theory.

The explanation can be heard roughly at 7:54 of this video.

Size Too Small
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was the best man in a size too small.
You were my best friend, going at it all.
What if I put off my inheritance?
Where is the best man?

All arise us all in peace.
I still know you.
And I still like you, the best man.

I still owe you.

Everything rises, going at it all.
All the surprises in a size too small.
And what if I told you
I was still in love with this?

Would you surprise us
In a size for all of me?
I still know you.
And I still like you, the best man.

I still know you, the best man.
I still owe you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sufjan Stevens’s song Size Too Small are quite enigmatic. The first verse, “I was the best man in a size too small. You were my best friend, going at it all. What if I put off my inheritance? Where is the best man?” presents an ambiguous scenario. The mention of a size too small could refer to a physical or emotional space, indicating that the singer may feel restricted or unable to fit in. The notion of putting off one’s inheritance hints at a delay in the acceptance of responsibility or maturity, leaving the question of who the best man may be open to interpretation.

The subsequent verse, “All arise us all in peace. I still know you. And I still like you, the best man. I still owe you,” gives the impression of a reconciliation, with both parties coming together in peace. The notion of owing someone suggests a debt or responsibility owed to the best man. The final verse, “Everything rises, going at it all. All the surprises in a size too small. And what if I told you I was still in love with this? Would you surprise us in a size for all of me? I still know you. And I still like you, the best man. I still know you, the best man. I still owe you,” seems to be a plea for acceptance, with the singer revealing their continued love for something or someone despite any shortcomings. They implore the best man to surprise them, presumably by accommodating and accepting the singer's feelings or actions, even if they may not entirely fit into the expected mold.

Overall, the song Size Too Small is a complex and introspective reflection on relationships and the challenges of fitting in. Through poetic lyrics and subtle metaphors, Sufjan Stevens highlights the importance of acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness, even when things don’t quite fit.

Line by Line Meaning

I was the best man in a size too small.
I was in a position beyond my capacity to handle.

You were my best friend, going at it all.
You were my companion, always ready to take on the world with me.

What if I put off my inheritance?
What if I choose to delay receiving what is entitled to me?

Where is the best man?
Who is the most competent person for the job?

All arise us all in peace.
May we all come together in harmony.

I still know you.
I have not forgotten who you are.

And I still like you, the best man.
I still hold you in high regard, despite your flaws.

I still owe you.
I still have a debt to pay to you.

Everything rises, going at it all.
All things are constantly moving forward and pushing toward their goals.

All the surprises in a size too small.
The unexpected challenges that come our way can sometimes be too much for us to handle.

And what if I told you I was still in love with this?
And what if I revealed that I still have strong feelings for something that seems impossible to attain?

Would you surprise us In a size for all of me?
Could you provide a solution that fits me and all my needs?

I still know you. And I still like you, the best man.
Even in the face of difficulty, I still respect and admire you.

I still know you, the best man.
I have not forgotten who you are, and your abilities.

I still owe you.
I still have a debt to pay to you.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: SUFJAN STEVENS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS