The band released their self-titled first album in March 1995 via PopLlama Records. After they garnered massive acclaim, Columbia Records quickly signed them. The album peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 and has shipped over three million copies. The RIAA has certified it as triple platinum. Songs "Peaches", "Kitty", "Lump", and "Dune Buggy" received major airplay.
Their 1996 follow-up album, "II", did not reach the same acclaim, though it reached the top forty on the Billboard 2000. Single "Mach 5" also garnered some airplay. The band then fell of the radar for many listeners, dropped by their major label. However, their albums of the new millennium, 'Freaked Out and Small' followed by 'Love Everybody' and 'These Are the Good Times People' (released in 2000, 2004, and 2008, respectively), picked up positive critical reviews, such as from the All Music Guide. Although their touring schedule became more sporadic into the 00s and 10s, they continue to perform and satisfy audiences with their off-beat humor and catchy hooks.
Man
The Presidents of the United States of America Lyrics
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The man.
The man.
The man,
Man - crush a killer with a thigh bone.
Man - you call the cable, make a cozy home.
Man - you need a rock 'n' roll singer.
Man - you gotta thumb and a finger...
Opposable thumb.
Opposable thumb.
I got one!
Opposable thumb.
Opposable thumb.
Opposable thumb.
(Check it out!)
I got one!
Yeah! 1973!
Post '76, Ahh!
One time I was a...
Man - crush a killer with a rock.
Man - ten millon years until you talk.
Man - are you a cruncher and a moaner?
Man - all you can manage is a boner...
You got opposable thumb
Opposable thumb.
Opposable thumb.
Well, I got one!
Opposable thumb.
Opposable thumb.
Opposable thumb.
I got one!
Alright... Yeah, arh! Arh!
Man - you gotta learn to drive a big rig.
Man - you lose your hair, you wear a tiny wig.
Man - you got something against me.
Man - you're gonna have to try and kill me.
If you want to be a man.
If you want to be a man.
If you want to be a man.
If you want to be a man.
You gotta want to be a man.
You gotta want to be a man.
You gotta want to be a man.
You gotta want to be a man.
I got one of those opposable thumbs...
The lyrics of "Man" by The Presidents of the United States of America present a satirical commentary on society's rules and norms, embodied in the character of "the man". The song describes the various demands and expectations that "the man" imposes on individuals, such as having a cozy home with cable TV, learning to drive a big rig, or being a rock 'n' roll singer. At the same time, the lyrics suggest a rebellion against these expectations, with lines like "Man - you're gonna have to try and kill me" and "If you want to be a man, you gotta want to be a man".
One of the key phrases in the song is "opposable thumb", which is repeated throughout the verses and chorus. The opposable thumb is a unique feature of human anatomy that allows us to grasp and manipulate objects with precision, and it is often cited as a defining characteristic of our species. By emphasizing the importance of the opposable thumb, the lyrics suggest that human beings have a special role to play in the world, and that we should assert our independence and creativity in the face of societal pressure.
Overall, "Man" is a witty and playful song that lampoons the expectations and limitations that society imposes on us. By celebrating our unique human qualities – like our opposable thumbs – the song encourages us to embrace our individuality and pursue our own paths, rather than conforming to the demands of "the man".
Line by Line Meaning
I'm being hassled by the man.
I am feeling harassed and oppressed by a powerful and controlling entity.
Man - crush a killer with a thigh bone.
The concept of masculinity involves being able to use physical strength to overpower others, even if it means getting creative with unconventional weapons.
Man - you call the cable, make a cozy home.
Along with strength, being a man means taking control of your living environment and being able to provide comfort for yourself and others.
Man - you need a rock 'n' roll singer.
Another component of masculinity is being a fan of traditionally male-dominated music genres, like rock and roll.
Man - you gotta thumb and a finger...
All men have the biological trait of opposable thumbs and fingers, which can be seen as a symbol of power or ability.
Opposable thumb.
Reinforcing the idea that having an opposable thumb is something to be proud of and even brag about.
I got one!
The singer confirms that he too has an opposable thumb and is therefore a valid member of the masculine group.
Man - crush a killer with a rock.
More violent imagery that reinforces the idea that being masculine means being able to physically overpower and dominate others.
Man - ten millon years until you talk.
A man should be strong and endure difficult situations without showing weakness, even if it takes millions of years of evolution to get there.
Man - are you a cruncher and a moaner?
Along with physical strength, there may be an expectation for men to demonstrate emotional restraint and not show vulnerability, even in moments of pain or discomfort.
Man - all you can manage is a boner...
Another potential aspect of masculinity is being preoccupied with sex and sexual prowess, even if it is at the expense of other aspects of a man's life.
If you want to be a man.
There are certain expectations and requirements that must be met to be considered a true man within this framework.
You gotta want to be a man.
The desire and drive to conform to these expectations is an important part of what it means to be a man according to this song.
I got one of those opposable thumbs...
Reiterating the earlier idea of the importance of having opposable thumbs as a symbol of masculinity and strength.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER WELDON BALLEW, DAVID MICHAEL DEDERER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind