Shame On You
Timbuk 3 Lyrics

Shame shame shame shame shame shame shame
An expression of how many times the subject should be ashamed of their actions.

Shame on you, shame on you
Directly addressing the subject, shaming them for their behaviors.

You've always taken life in massive doses
The subject has a tendency to live life to the fullest, often pushing their limits.

Back when you were a child they said you were precocious
The subject was seen as unusually talented or advanced for their age as a child.

You were always doing something that you shouldn't ought to do
The subject frequently engaged in improper or dangerous activities.

And you never did the things that were expected of you
The subject did not conform to society's standards or expectations.

In school you were a troublemaker, always getting caught
The subject had a history of causing problems and getting in trouble while in school.

Staying up on all the things the teachers never taught
The subject was self-taught, having learned things that were not included in their formal education.

Well, you've got a lot of nerve acting the way you do
The subject is being called out for their audacious or bold behavior.

You know, something's going to bring a lot of shame on you
The artist warns the subject that they will face significant consequences for their actions in the future.

Man, you could have had power and a hot position
The subject had the potential to achieve great success and status in their career.

Like a hotshot lawyer or a bigshot politician
Examples of prestigious and influential professions that the subject could have pursued.

You could have been the head of a major corporation
The subject had the ability to rise to the top of a significant company.

Instead you're working part time at a filling station
The subject is not living up to their potential and is working a low-status job.

Doing comedy on the side, you're really quite funny
The subject has a talent for comedy and humor, though they are not pursuing it as a career.

But dude, don't you know you could be making big money?
The artist is frustrated that the subject is not monetizing their talents.

Well, I remember that producer down in Hollywood
The artist recalls a specific example of the subject potentially achieving fame and success in the entertainment industry.

Who came to hear you play, and said you were good
The producer recognized the subject's talent and gave them a positive review.

It was your one big break,
This was a significant opportunity for the subject to achieve success.

If you only would have played your cards a little smarter
The subject missed out on this opportunity due to their own poor decision-making.

By now you'd have it made, your own TV show, or recording contract!
Speculating on the subject's potential success and the opportunities they missed out on by not playing their cards right.

And all you had to do was lighten up your act!
The artist believes that the subject's lack of success was due to their inappropriate or offensive behavior.

A stairway to the stars, a one-way ticket
This opportunity was the subject's chance to achieve great success in their career.

But you, you had to go and tell him where he could stick it
The subject refused to change their behavior or attitude, causing them to miss out on the opportunity.

Shame on you, you could have been on TV
The subject is being criticized for missing out on a major opportunity that could have led to their success.

Shame on you, you have too much integrity
The singer believes that the subject's lack of success is due to their refusal to compromise their personal beliefs or values.

Shame on you, you should have kept the door open
The subject is being criticized for closing themselves off from potential opportunities.

Shame on you, you're just too outspoken
The subject's tendency to speak their mind or express themselves in a blunt or frank manner is viewed as a negative trait.

Shame on you, you haven't got a dime
The subject is financially struggling or not achieving financial success.

Shame on you, for having such a good time
The subject is being criticized for enjoying themselves despite not achieving success or fulfilling their potential.

Shame on you, you're a disgrace to everyone
The subject's behavior and lack of success are viewed as a negative reflection on both themselves and those around them.

Shame on you, you're having too much fun
The subject's enjoyment of life is viewed as inappropriate or misguided given their lack of success or failure to fulfill their potential.

Shame on you, you're having too much fun
Repeating the previous line for emphasis.