Sean's previous projects include good try, Kid XL, Braves and Sunny.
Except Helen
T.Hanks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the mind of men
Do you see Margery?
Peter darling, you've been working too hard
You aren't being practical or sensible
You haven't been from the time you inherited this house and came here to live
I don't think it's good for you
I tell you the possibility of going back in time is perfectly logical
Why are you looking so startled?
There's nothing to be afraid of
I thought you loved me?
You
You mustn't talk like that
Why my dear we're going to be married
Married?
You think I'd marry you
When I'm hard put to it
To force myself to remain alone with you
Sir Joshua saw it
Everyone sees it
There's something that's...
That's not human about you
You're breaking our engagement?
You can't do that
Oh can't I?
How smugly you say it
The women all press after you don't they?
But no woman wishes to dance with you twice
Except Helen
Except Helen
Except Helen
Except Helen
The lyrics of T.Hanks's song Except Helen depicts a dream-like conversation between two individuals, Peter and Margery. The opening lines of the song suggest that time is merely a concept that exists in the minds of humans. The mention of Margery in this context is ambiguous, and her significance in the song is left open to interpretation. Peter's response to Margery's concern about overworking suggests that he is detached from practicality and sensibility, a clue to the surreal nature of the lyrics.
Peter and Margery's conversation takes a turn as they talk about the possibility of time travel. Margery is convinced that it is a logical proposition, while Peter seems to be alarmed by the thought. The conversation then shifts to a more personal nature, with Margery expressing her love for Peter and the desire to marry him. However, Peter's response is cold and dismissive, indicating an uncanny aspect to his personality that Margery and others have noticed.
The song concludes with Peter breaking off the engagement and citing a woman named Helen as an exception to the rule that no woman wishes to dance with him twice. The song leaves the listener with a feeling of ambiguity and surrealism, raising questions about the nature of time and human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Time as we know it is nothing but an idea in the mind
The concept of time is only something we create in our own thoughts
In the mind of men
It is only men who think about and perceive time in this way
Do you see Margery?
Are you paying attention to what I am saying?
Peter darling, you've been working too hard
My dear Peter, you have been exerting yourself too much
You aren't being practical or sensible
Your actions are not reasonable or rational
You haven't been from the time you inherited this house and came here to live
Since you inherited this house and moved in, you have not been yourself
I don't think it's good for you
I believe that this situation is not beneficial for you
I tell you the possibility of going back in time is perfectly logical
I am explaining that the idea of time travel is scientifically possible
Why are you looking so startled?
Why are you acting so surprised?
There's nothing to be afraid of
There is no reason to be fearful
I thought you loved me?
I believed that you cared for me deeply
You
I am addressing you directly
You mustn't talk like that
You should not speak in that way
Why my dear we're going to be married
My dear, we are going to be married soon
Married?
I am questioning the idea of marriage between us
You think I'd marry you
You believe that I would agree to marry you
When I'm hard put to it
When I am in a very difficult situation
To force myself to remain alone with you
To have to convince myself to be in your presence
Sir Joshua saw it
Even Sir Joshua, a respected person, recognizes the issue
Everyone sees it
It is obvious to everyone
There's something that's...
There is a certain quality or characteristic that is...
That's not human about you
There is something inhuman or unnatural about you
You're breaking our engagement?
Are you saying that you want to cancel our engagement?
You can't do that
You are not allowed to do that
Oh can't I?
I am challenging your belief that I cannot break off our engagement
How smugly you say it
You are saying it in a self-satisfied or arrogant manner
The women all press after you don't they?
Women are always pursuing you, aren't they?
But no woman wishes to dance with you twice
However, no woman wants to have a second encounter with you
Except Helen
The only exception to this is Helen
Except Helen
Helen is the only woman who is interested in you
Except Helen
Apart from Helen, there is no other woman who will give you attention
Except Helen
Only Helen likes you
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Sean O'Connor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind