In this number about linguistic imperialism, the New York band appear to be criticizing the 19th century English intellectuals that created and enforced such rules of language as the Oxford comma. As far as Vampire Weekend are concerned content should come before structure.
The lyrics refer to Lil' John, surely the only instance of a song about punctuation to reference the Atlanta crunk maestro. Singer/guitarist and lyricist Ezra Koenig admitted in an interview with Aversion to being a fan of Lil' Jon. The Vampire Weekend frontman said: "I love him. Well, I specifically like "Get Low" a lot. I like the dance where you point your hands to the window and to the wall. I don't dance a lot, but I did have a couple of experiences dancing to it."
Vampire Weekend have been criticized for producing "lifestyle music." Koenig told About.com this is a misconception, citing this song as an example. He explained: "With 'Oxford Comma,' to me it's very obvious that it's about elitism, and dealing with someone who thinks they're better than you, and who tries to criticize you in bulls--t ways. I know it's not the most straight-forward song in the world, but to me it's pretty obvious that that's the tone of it. But some people would say that by even naming a song 'Oxford Comma,' all we're doing is reinforcing elitism, because, in theory, only the privileged classes know what an Oxford comma is. That, to me, is a classic example of how people misinterpret our songs. Some people just hear certain words and think: 'these guys must think they're so smart!' But, my family history has pointed to the idea that you don't have to be rich to be educated, to care about books, to know obscure words."
Oxford Comma
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've seen those English dramas too, they're cruel
So if there's any other way
To spell the word, it's fine with me, with me
Why would you speak to me that way?
Especially when I always said that I
Haven't got the words for you
Through the pain, I always tell the truth
Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
I climbed to Dharamsala too, I did
I met the highest Lama
His accent sounded fine to me, to me
Check your handbook, it's no trick
Take the chapstick, put it on your lips
Crack a smile, adjust my tie
Know your boyfriend, unlike other guys
Why would you lie 'bout how much coal you have?
Why would you lie 'bout somethin' dumb like that?
Why would you lie 'bout anythin' at all?
First the window, then it's to the wall
Lil Jon, he always tells the truth
Check your passport, it's no trick
Take the chapstick, put it on your lips
Crack a smile, adjust my tie
Know your butler, unlike other guys
Why would you lie 'bout how much coal you have?
Why would you lie 'bout somethin' dumb like that?
Why would you lie 'bout anythin' at all?
First the window, then it's to the wall
Why would you tape my conversations?
Show your paintings at the United Nations
Lil Jon, he always tells the truth
The song “Oxford Comma” by Vampire Weekend talks about the usage of the Oxford comma and its irrelevance to the meaning of a sentence. An Oxford comma is the comma used after the second-to-last item in a list, preceding the conjunction “and” or “or.” It has been the subject of grammatical debates for years, with some people insisting on its necessity while others argue that it can be omitted. The singer in the song is dismissive of its importance and argues that as long as the sentence makes sense without it, it is perfectly fine to leave it out. The lyrics call into question how much attention should be given to tiny details and rules, particularly those that have no real bearing on meaning or clarity.
In addition to the discussion of the Oxford comma, the song also touches upon the relationship between the singer and another person who seems to be difficult to communicate with. The lines “Why would you speak to me that way? / Especially when I always said that I / Haven't got the words for you” suggest a tense conversation or argument where the singer feels misunderstood or unheard. The use of Lil Jon as an example of someone who always tells the truth contrasts with the dishonesty and games the other person seems to be playing.
Overall, “Oxford Comma” is a clever and witty song that pokes fun at grammatical debates while also touching upon larger issues related to communication and honesty.
Line by Line Meaning
Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
Why be so concerned about using an Oxford comma?
I've seen those English dramas too, they're cruel
I have watched English plays and observed their harsh nature
So if there's any other way, to spell the word, it's fine with me, with me
If there's an alternative spelling, I'd be happy to use it
Why would you speak to me that way?
Why are you using that tone with me?
Especially when I always said that I
Even though I have previously mentioned that
Haven't got the words for you
I don't have the right words to say to you
All your diction drippin' with disdain
The way you speak with contempt and disrespect
Through the pain, I always tell the truth
Despite it being painful, I always tell the truth
I climbed to Dharamsala too, I did
I have also climbed to Dharamsala
I met the highest Lama
I had the opportunity to meet the most important Lama
His accent sounded fine to me, to me
To me, his pronunciation was perfectly acceptable
Check your handbook, it's no trick
Refer to your manual, it's not a complicated task
Take the chapstick, put it on your lips
Use the lip balm and moisturize your lips
Crack a smile, adjust my tie
Put on a smile, and fix my necktie
Know your boyfriend, unlike other guys
Be familiar with your partner, unlike other men
Why would you lie 'bout how much coal you have?
Why pretend to have more coal than you actually do?
Why would you lie 'bout somethin' dumb like that?
Why would you lie about something so trivial?
Why would you lie 'bout anythin' at all?
Why lie about anything?
First the window, then it's to the wall
First it was the window, now it's the wall
Lil Jon, he always tells the truth
Lil Jon is known for always telling the truth
Check your passport, it's no trick
Inspect your passport, there's nothing tricky about it
Know your butler, unlike other guys
Be familiar with your servant, unlike other men
Why would you tape my conversations?
Why would you record our private conversations?
Show your paintings at the United Nations
Exhibit your paintings at the United Nations
Lil Jon, he always tells the truth
Lil Jon remains honest and truthful
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Christopher Joseph Baio, Christopher William Tomson, Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robertremuszka8942
Lol, had my guitar lesson and my teacher said that the lead singer took guitar lessons at our place and then jumped ship after he learned all his major and minor chords and then just started to write songs and started vampire weekend, these guys are great
@smelltheglove2038
I mean, let’s be honest, once you learn the chord shapes everything else just comes naturally. Well, I guess that depends on how much music you listen to and if you have any sort of inherent musical talent. You have to listen to lots of music to be a good musician, imo. A friend of mine has been playing guitar for well over a decade but still cannot jam with others, or improvise a solo. Still cannot play in the proper key. Some people just don’t have it.
@carguy3460
What else do you need?
@ronaldjaybelin520
@@carguy3460 half a brain to think that starts you out
@SebbyCarls
"Kids, on my first day as a college professor, there were two things I didn't know that I wish I did.
The first thing was that your mother was in that classroom." HIMYM <3
@bitw434
T-Dawg, you're in the wrong classroom bro
@nilavanezhil8036
@Kevin you literally made my day better bro
thanks
@CalifornianCuttlefish
I absolutely love the drum beat in this song, the timing is just perfect
@thekidsareradioactive7136
wife just asked... "are they from the east coast? is that why they are like this?"
@boostermoongazer
Married a good one.