Please Sir
Wild Beasts Lyrics

The lyrics to Wild Beasts's song Please Sir depict a narrator who has woken up in a state of mourning, presumably after losing someone close to them. They long to return to their former life, as indicated in the repeated phrase "And I wish and I hope, that I'll stalk the corridors once more." This hints at a past filled with a certain level of freedom and wildness, perhaps in the context of school or some other institution. The singer is pleading with a "Sir" figure, likely a schoolteacher or some sort of authority figure, to allow them to return even if it's just for a term. The first verse sets a desolate scene, with the bed described as "soft tundra" and the atmosphere "murky with mourn" creating a sense of emptiness and loss.

The second verse takes on a different tone, with the singer expressing excitement at the thought of returning to their former life. They describe it as "glee" and seem to relish the idea of being close to their teacher, even referencing "hot breath upon me" and "gob gurning in fury" - likely alluding to some sort of disciplinary action being taken against them for a previous transgression. However, they then try to explain themselves by claiming that they only "winded that lad" and "fumbled that lass", essentially trying to downplay their actions and suggest that they weren't that serious. The final lines of the song offer an olive branch of sorts, with the singer offering up "chips with cheese" as a gift of peace and asking for forgiveness.

Overall, the song seems to be playing with the idea of youth and the desire to return to a time when things were simpler and wilder. There's a sense of regret and longing in the singer's voice, but also a hint of rebellion and excitement. The use of the "Sir" figure also creates a power dynamic, with the singer trying to manipulate and persuade in order to get what they want. It's a layered and nuanced song, with a lot to unpack in terms of themes and imagery.