Why?
The Lilies Lyrics

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Why aren't I one of these interesting people, who's always got something to say
To not be contrived, and to feel so alive, and to never, have wasted, a day
To go for long walks, have well informed talks, in a non-confrontational way
Why aren't I one of these interesting people and why won't you stay?

I'm still having the same conversation
I've been having for years
I just want to read and retain information

Just face up to my fears
I look at myself and it's so plain to see
All I need is to change, change
Not too much I still want to be me
Everyone looks the same

Why is my phone full of so many numbers, and why doesn't anyone call?
Maybe they think that I'm always too busy, or maybe I've no friends at all
While I'm watching TV, they're all out necking E's and while obviously I'm appalled
Why is my phone full of so many numbers and why don't you call?

I'm still having the same conversation
I've been having for years
I just want to read and retain information
Just face up to my fears
I look at myself and it's so plain to see
All I need is to change, change
Not too much I still want to be me
Everyone looks the same

I'm still having the same conversation
I've been having for years,
I just want to read and retain information
Just face up to my fears
I look at myself and it's so plain to see
All I need is to change, change

Not too much I still want to be me
Everyone looks the same

Overall Meaning

The Lilies’ song Why is a poignant expression of the desire for self-improvement and the longing for meaningful connections. It speaks to a common human experience of feeling inadequate and uninteresting, while perceiving others as effortlessly engaging and accomplished. The singer wonders how to be more like those fascinating people who always have something to say and never seem to waste a day, who have informed conversations without being confrontational, and who go for long walks. The chorus expresses the frustration of feeling stuck in the same patterns of thought and behavior, wanting to read and retain information but also being afraid to face one’s fears. Despite the longing to change and be more interesting, the singer also acknowledges the importance of remaining true to oneself and not losing one’s identity in the process.

The verse about the phone full of numbers adds another layer to the song’s theme of loneliness and disconnection. Despite having many contacts, the singer feels nobody calls or wants to spend time with them. They observe others going out and partying while feeling appalled by it, yet also wondering why they can’t be included. The song raises the question of what makes someone interesting and how one can cultivate engaging relationships without compromising one’s values or personality.

Line by Line Meaning

Why aren't I one of these interesting people, who's always got something to say
I feel inadequate for not being as socially adept as others and wish to be more charming

To not be contrived, and to feel so alive, and to never, have wasted, a day
I aspire to live more authentically and passionately while not experiencing any sense of regret

To go for long walks, have well informed talks, in a non-confrontational way
I crave intellectual discourse that is peaceful and stimulating, where I can learn from others while enjoying nature together

Why aren't I one of these interesting people and why won't you stay?
I lament my lack of sociability while also yearning for someone to connect with on a deep level

I'm still having the same conversation, I've been having for years
I feel stuck in a cycle of repetitive thoughts and behaviors

I just want to read and retain information, just face up to my fears
I seek self-improvement through learning and confronting my personal challenges

I look at myself and it's so plain to see, all I need is to change, change
I recognize that I need to undergo personal growth and transformation to become a better version of myself

Not too much I still want to be me, everyone looks the same
I want to retain my individuality and refuse to conform to societal pressures to be like everyone else

Why is my phone full of so many numbers, and why doesn't anyone call?
I feel isolated and unimportant because I have many contacts but no one seems to want to communicate with me

Maybe they think that I'm always too busy, or maybe I've no friends at all
I speculate that either people perceive me as unapproachable or that I genuinely lack close companions

While I'm watching TV, they're all out necking E's and while obviously I'm appalled
I observe others engaging in reckless behavior while I prefer to stay at home, which causes me to feel simultaneously disgusted and left out

Why is my phone full of so many numbers and why don't you call?
I want someone specific to reach out to me and hope that they feel the same way about me as I do about them

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lily Allen, Gregory Kurstin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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