Cartoon Wisdom
The Bottle Rockets Lyrics


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I'm trying to get smarter and live the right way
Ain't there yet but I'll be someday
Don't mean to say I ain't got to change
But some things about me are gonna stay the same
I like Popeye the sailor man
He's a smart guy, "I am what I am"
Just doing my best to get something right
I dig cartoons in the morning
And my baby at night
My baby at night

I've hit some hard walls with my soft head
Had some accidents that shoulda left me dead
I been in love and had my heart broke
I've lived my life like it's some kind of joke
But I like Popeye the sailor man
He's a smart guy, "I am what I am"
Just doing my best to get something right
I dig cartoons in the morning
And my baby at night
My baby at night

Wisdom can come in some very strange ways
That's a little lesson I'm learning these days
The road is long and my time is short
Just trying to keep my mule ahead of my cart
But I like Popeye the sailor man
He's a smart guy, "I am what I am"
Just doing my best to get something right
I dig cartoons in the morning
And my baby at night
My baby at night




My baby at night
My baby at night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Cartoon Wisdom" by The Bottle Rockets contain a message of hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges. The singer of the song admits that he's not yet where he wants to be in terms of personal growth and maturity, but he's working on it. He acknowledges that there are aspects of his personality that will always remain the same but is determined to change what he can for the better. The reference to Popeye serves as a metaphor for this attitude – Popeye was never perfect, but he always tried his best and stayed true to himself. The line "I am what I am" is a perfect representation of the song's theme – accepting yourself for who you are while striving for self-improvement.


The chorus of the song serves as a reminder that despite life's struggles, there are simple joys to be found along the way. The singer finds solace in watching cartoons in the morning and being with his partner at night. It's a reminder that sometimes it's the small things that keep us going and can help us appreciate life even when it gets tough. The song's final verse acknowledges that wisdom can come from unexpected sources and that we should keep an open mind to the lessons life has to teach us.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm trying to get smarter and live the right way
I'm making an effort to improve myself and live a good life


Ain't there yet but I'll be someday
I haven't achieved my goals yet, but I'm optimistic about the future


Don't mean to say I ain't got to change
I acknowledge that I have flaws and need to make changes in my life


But some things about me are gonna stay the same
Despite my efforts to change, there are aspects of my personality that will remain constant


I like Popeye the sailor man
I enjoy watching cartoons and find inspiration in certain characters


He's a smart guy, "I am what I am"
Despite his flaws, Popeye is confident in himself and his abilities


Just doing my best to get something right
I'm doing my best to succeed and accomplish my goals


I dig cartoons in the morning
I enjoy watching cartoons early in the day


And my baby at night
I enjoy spending time with my loved ones


I've hit some hard walls with my soft head
I've made mistakes and faced challenges in my life


Had some accidents that shoulda left me dead
I've been in dangerous situations that could have resulted in serious injury or death


I been in love and had my heart broke
I've experienced the highs and lows of romantic relationships


I've lived my life like it's some kind of joke
I've had a lighthearted approach to life, not taking things too seriously


Wisdom can come in some very strange ways
I've learned that profound insights can come from unexpected sources


That's a little lesson I'm learning these days
I'm currently gaining new knowledge and insights about life


The road is long and my time is short
I know that life is short and I have a lot to accomplish before it's over


Just trying to keep my mule ahead of my cart
I'm striving to stay organized and keep my priorities in order




Contributed by Alaina G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@patrickbarkwell3295

I played this on KKFI a few times. The whole album was so rootsy and meaningful.

A woman wants to talk about how I feel....a man just wants to talk about his new rod and reel.

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