Been It
The Cardigans feat. Tom Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your face is pretty and your life's a toy
Master man
I'm never better than your latest plan
Poor donee
what are you gonna try to be
where are you gonna go without me now
who can ask me for more
I've been your sister I've been your mistress
maybe I was your whore
who can ask me for more
Superstar
I've tried to educate your childish heart
I made your bed
and I was in it when your faith was dead
poor donee
what are you gonna try to be
where are you gonna go without me now
Sweetiepie
I'm you personal pro, you know
you know what number to try when to cry
The Cardigans' "Been It" is a subversive commentary on power dynamics in a relationship, with a woman singing to a man who appears to hold all the cards. The lyrics are filled with sarcasm and irony, as the woman addresses the man as "baby boy" and "master man," but then quickly undermines those titles by telling him that his "life's a toy" and that she's "never better than [his] latest plan." The man, in turn, is referred to as a "poor donee" and a "superstar," suggesting that while he may have money and fame, he is still ultimately beholden to the woman's whims.
The woman takes on multiple roles in the relationship, describing herself as the man's mother, father, sister, and mistress. She even suggests that she may have been his whore at some point, but then dismisses the idea, stating that "who can ask me for more." This line is particularly telling, as it suggests that the woman has somehow transcended societal expectations and is now able to call the shots in the relationship.
Overall, "Been It" is a darkly humorous take on how power can play out in a relationship, with both parties struggling for control and ultimately coming up short. The song resists easy interpretation, preferring to challenge the listener's assumptions about gender roles and power differentials.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby boy
Addressing a man who is immature and easily manipulated
Your face is pretty and your life's a toy
Commenting on the man's physical attractiveness and lack of serious purpose in life
Master man
Sarcastically referring to the man's false sense of control over the situation
I'm never better than your latest plan
Acknowledging that the man is in charge and making all the decisions
Poor donee
Referring to the man as a helpless recipient of aid
what are you gonna try to be
Questioning the man's future aspirations
where are you gonna go without me now
Asserting dominance and control over the man's life
I've been your mother I've been your father
Claiming to have provided parental guidance and care
who can ask me for more
Implying that the man should be grateful for the artist's assistance and not demand more
I've been your sister I've been your mistress
Describing multiple roles played by the artist in the man's life, both familial and romantic
maybe I was your whore
Acknowledging that the singer may have engaged in sexual acts for the man's benefit
Superstar
Sarcastically using a term of admiration for the man's perceived success or status
I've tried to educate your childish heart
Attempting to teach the man how to act maturely and responsibly
I made your bed
Providing physical comfort and care for the man
and I was in it when your faith was dead
Comforting the man during a time of emotional distress or loss of faith
Sweetiepie
Addressing the man in a patronizing and condescending way
I'm you personal pro, you know
Asserting oneself as the man's personal professional consultant or coach
you know what number to try when to cry
Implying that the man knows how to contact the singer for assistance or emotional support
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NINA PERSSON, PETER ANDERS SVENSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Parknest
Nina has a fantastic voice and Sir Tom is an absolute legend. I'm sure David Byrne is proud of this cover version.
@rngod2121
I am a Talking Heads purist, but oh mah GAWD! I can't believe I have lived this long, without seeing this video. Brilliant!
@Glenn_3
I'm curious to hear what you think of the Paramore version that just releases then
@rngod2121
@@Glenn_3 😍 Thank you for the recommendation! I listened to that, then the Wet Leg version of "C'est Comme Ça", which led me to Paramore's "This is Why", (which had me cranking up my McIntosh Amp...
And now I am perusing the Paramore greatest Hits. I have a feeling it is going to keep me busy for a bit! 🙂
@Glenn_3
@@rngod2121oh my god, really?! That makes me so happy to hear Paramore is my favourite band ever and it makes me happy to have introduced someone to Paramore for the first time and them seeing how good it is. There is a lot to go through so you have a lot to look forward to. Feel free to keep me updated, I'd love to hear your opinion ☺️
@philfromkali
Right, I didn't know this existed
@anthonylesley982
Yeah
@DarkHorse-bp3xf
This is great. I love it that Tom Jones stays relevant by teaming up with current artists. His voice is one of few of the old guard that has survived beautifully.
@scottbieser
Whoever thought to pair up Jones and the Cardigans to cover this song is a freakin' genius.
@markpetersen2469
They had hallucinations from the heart ❤