Nerds
The Dodos Lyrics


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We tried but we failed
Been saving our place
We have all the heart
But none of the ambition
We make the most sense
They laugh in our face
We're nerds but we're dumb
Its just a position
To good for our looks
Too good for our folks
We're leaving this town
We're joining a space team.
In times we held our hands to our mouths
We spoke to our selves
While thinking aloud

These days are number now
We found an idea
We hide it
We hide it

I swear that i felt
When every one laughed
A piece of my self
A habit was forming
I think of the hell
It keeps me in check
In all that i do
In 9 in the morning
I know what i need
I am needing it bad
Its still in the cards
The record is playing
You have what you need
You keep it in store
Incase that you loose it
While looking for

These days come back again
We found an idea
We fight it
We fight it

Lets build a wall
Against the cynical acts
Its gotten old
Its still in tact
This holes been filled
With memories traped
The thought remains
It will not react
React react
React, react, react

Goodbye to my friends
Goodbye to my folks
I'll see you in hell
I'll see you in heaven
I know what i know
I am how act
Where ever i go
I am what i'm given
These stories are told
To audience backs
This barrel of laughs
Is there but its broken
We'll keep it in mind
We'll keep it instilled
We'll follow the line
We'll follow until

These days come back again
We found an idea
But we lost it
We lost it

Lets build a wall
Against the cynical acts
Its gotten old its still in tact
This holes been filled with memories traped
The thought remains
It will not react
React react
React, react, react
React, react, react
React, react, react

(nerds)
(nerds)




(nerds)
(nerds)

Overall Meaning

The Dodos' song "Nerds" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of being an intellectual without much ambition. The song's lyrics express the feeling of being stuck in a position in life where one is too good for their surroundings, yet lacking the drive to make significant changes. The singer speaks about saving their place, having all the heart but none of the ambition, and being too good for their looks and folks, but not good enough for their flippant peers. The singer expresses a desire to leave their town and join a space team - a metaphor for setting off into the unknown and reaching for new heights.


The song also touches on the theme of self-doubt and the fear of being judged or ridiculed. The singer speaks of feeling a piece of themselves being torn away when they are laughed at, and having habits and thoughts that keep them in check. However, the singer also expresses a determination to keep going, to build a wall against cynicism, and to keep memories and thoughts firmly instilled.


Overall, "Nerds" is a contemplative song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt stuck in a rut or struggled with self-doubt.


Line by Line Meaning

We tried but we failed
Despite our efforts, we were unsuccessful in achieving our goals.


Been saving our place
We have been making preparations to leave our current situation.


We have all the heart
We are passionate and determined.


But none of the ambition
However, we lack the drive and motivation needed to succeed.


We make the most sense
Our ideas are logical and rational.


They laugh in our face
Despite this, others mock and ridicule us for our beliefs.


We're nerds but we're dumb
We may be intellectually inclined, but we lack common sense.


Its just a position
Our current circumstances are only temporary.


To good for our looks
Our physical appearance does not match our intellectual abilities.


Too good for our folks
Our family and friends do not understand or appreciate our aspirations.


We're leaving this town
We are departing from our current environment in search of better opportunities.


We're joining a space team.
We plan on pursuing careers in the field of space exploration.


In times we held our hands to our mouths
We often found ourselves at a loss for words or ideas.


We spoke to our selves
During times of introspection, we talked to ourselves.


While thinking aloud
Our thoughts were often verbalized, even if unintentionally.


These days are number now
Our current situation is temporary and will come to an end.


We found an idea
We have come up with a new plan or concept.


We hide it
However, for the time being, we are keeping it to ourselves.


I swear that i felt
I am confident of my belief or experience.


When every one laughed
Even though others were mocking me, I remained certain of my perception.


A piece of my self
I lost a part of myself.


A habit was forming
I started developing a pattern or routine.


I think of the hell
I am reminded of the past pain or struggle.


It keeps me in check
However, this also serves as a motivation to stay on track.


In all that i do
This experience has influenced every aspect of my life.


In 9 in the morning
Even as I wake up in the morning, this experience is on my mind.


I know what i need
I am certain of what I require for my success.


I am needing it bad
I am desperate to obtain what I need for my success.


Its still in the cards
I still believe that I have a chance of success.


The record is playing
I am reminded of my previous failures and setbacks.


You have what you need
Others possess the resources or skills required for success.


You keep it in store
However, they are not currently using or sharing these resources.


Incase that you loose it
They are saving these resources in case of emergency or future need.


While looking for
In the pursuit of our goals, we are on the lookout for these resources and opportunities.


Goodbye to my friends
We must part ways with those who have been a part of our past.


Goodbye to my folks
We must also leave behind the familiarity of our family and upbringing.


I'll see you in hell
The future looks difficult and uncertain.


I'll see you in heaven
However, we hope that our future endeavors will be successful.


I know what i know
We are confident in our own abilities and knowledge.


I am how act
Our actions are a reflection of our personality, beliefs, and aspirations.


Where ever i go
Regardless of our location, we remain true to ourselves.


I am what i'm given
We must make the most of the resources and opportunities that we have been given.


These stories are told
Our experiences and struggles serve as inspiration or cautionary tales for others.


To audience backs
However, not everyone is willing or interested in hearing these stories.


This barrel of laughs
The situations we have encountered in the past may seem humorous in retrospect.


Is there but its broken
However, these situations have also left us feeling broken or discouraged at times.


We'll keep it in mind
We will not forget the lessons we have learned or the experiences we have had.


We'll keep it instilled
We will continue to be driven and passionate in pursuit of our goals.


We'll follow the line
We will remain focused on our path to success and not be deterred by obstacles or setbacks.


We found an idea
We have come up with a new plan or concept.


But we lost it
However, for various reasons, we were unable to put this plan into action.


These days come back again
Our circumstances may change and we may encounter similar challenges again.


Lets build a wall
We must fortify ourselves against cynicism and negativity from others.


Against the cynical acts
We must combat the disbelief or criticism of others.


Its gotten old
These attitudes and responses from others are repetitive and unhelpful.


Its still in tact
However, these attitudes and responses still exist and must be overcome.


This holes been filled with memories traped
Our past experiences and struggles have left a mark on us and impacted our present lives.


The thought remains
We are still motivated by our goals and aspirations despite past setbacks or failures.


It will not react
We will not be dissuaded or set back by the obstacles or negativity we encounter.


React react
We are committed to action and perseverance in the face of difficulty.


React, react, react
We will not give up and will continue to push forward.


(nerds)
A label that has been put on us, but we refuse to be defined by it.


(nerds)
Instead, we embrace our intellectual curiosity and desire for achievement.


(nerds)
We will prove our worth and potential to those who doubt us.


(nerds)
And our success will speak for itself.




Contributed by Bella C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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