The song was written by Rivers Cuomo as a reaction to a meeting with Geffen executives where the band was told they needed to record more-commercial material. Cuomo remarked, "I came out of it pretty angry. But ironically, it inspired me to write another song."Jacknife Lee produced the track with the band in early 2008.
In terms of chart performance, "Pork and Beans" is Weezer's most successful single in their 16 year career. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks charts in only its third week on the charts. It became their ninth Top 10 hit on this chart and third Number One overall and spent 11 weeks at #1.
The music video contains many references to internet sensations such dramatic chipmunk, Chocolate Rain, GI Joe parodies, and The Evolution of Dance.
Pork and Beans
Weezer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Work it out at the gym to fit my underwear
Oakley makes the shades to transform a tool
You'd hate for the kids to think that you've lost your cool
I'ma do the things that I wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think
Everyone likes to dance to a happy song
With a catchy chorus and beat so they can sing along
Timbaland knows the way to reach the top of the charts
Maybe if I work with him I can perfect the art
I'ma do the things that I wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think
No, I don't care
I don't care
I don't care
I don't care
I don't care
I don't care
I'ma do the things that I wanna do
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink
I don't give a hoot about what you think
The lyrics to Weezer's song "Pork and Beans" are about individuality and not conforming to societal expectations or pressures. In the first verse, the lyrics mention the pressure to conform to physical ideals, with references to Rogaine for hair loss and working out to fit into certain underwear. The lyrics then mention Oakley sunglasses, which are associated with a certain image, and the fear of losing coolness in the eyes of children.
The chorus firmly establishes the message of the song, with the singer asserting that they will do what they want without needing to prove anything to anyone else. The lyrics mention eating candy with pork and beans, possibly as an example of breaking typical food norms. The singer also mentions not wearing the clothes that other people like and being content with themselves as they are. The reference to being tickled pink after one look in the mirror suggests a positive self-image.
In the second verse, the lyrics mention the desire for a catchy, upbeat track that will guarantee commercial success, with a reference to Timbaland as someone who knows how to achieve it. This line could be interpreted as a critique of the music industry’s commercialization and conformity. However, the chorus repeats the message of the right to self-expression and the rejection of external expectations.
Overall, "Pork and Beans" encourages people to embrace their individuality and not feel pressured to conform to societal norms. The song is a pop culture anthem that is both empowering and celebratory of diversity.
Line by Line Meaning
They say I need some rogaine to put in my hair
People say that I need hair treatment if I want to be attractive.
Work it out at the gym to fit my underwear
I should exercise in order to look better in my clothes.
Oakley makes the shades to transform a tool
Oakley sunglasses are marketed as a way to make people look more cool and stylish.
You'd hate for the kids to think that you've lost your cool
It's important to maintain a certain level of status and hipness in the eyes of younger people.
I'ma do the things that I wanna do
I am going to do what makes me happy.
I ain't got a thing to prove to you
I don't have to prove myself to anyone.
I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans
I'm going to enjoy things that people think are weird, like eating candy with a savory dish.
Excuse my manners if I make a scene
Sorry if I act weird or embarrass you, but that's just how I am.
I ain't gonna wear the clothes that you like
I am comfortable in my own style and don't need to dress to please others.
I'm fine and dandy with the me inside
I am happy with who I am as a person, regardless of what others may think.
One look in the mirror and I'm tickled pink
I feel great about myself when I see my reflection.
I don't give a hoot about what you think
I don't care what other people's opinions of me are.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: RIVERS CUOMO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RobertIDK
Back when youtube had a front page, and one video full of references told you everything you needed to know about the culture
@RandomnessMusician
Yes
@MrSitar18
Back in the day when YouTube was fun. And no blood ads everywhere
@male1456
oh damn I missed that memo. too busy livin life in the real fucking world hey. stupid me! I'm 40 now. no kids. single. yay.
@sansaveria2657
robert i dodnt know you liked weezer
@Toomooo
oh wow robert
@Weensx
Can we all appreciate the fact weezer made a positive outlook for everyone here who was massively bullied after going viral.
@Anax100
Weezer is good people
@SuperJNG18
Especially Chris Crocker. I thought it was really sweet having Rivers come in and give him a hug.
@LolaOpheliac
@SuperJNG18 Chris is now Cara Cunnigham, she's a transwoman :) Just letting everyone who wasn't aware know.