Caterpillars
Will Connolly Lyrics
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You′ve been conditioned to listen and wait
Move an inch and i will trek a mile
I'm a fisherman and you′re the bait
You know you'll always be my valentine
Now swear to god that you will never tell
They're streaming every indiscretion live
Gotta go
You can stay
Make yourself at home
Gotta go
This campaign
Don′t run itself you know
You′ve got potential little parasite
I tie your hands so i can wish you well
Cuz i'm a gentleman and you are like
A caterpillar of the commonwealth
Gotta go
I said no
You need to know your role
Gotta go
I said no
It′s all under control
Oh that was so long ago
I don't even know
Baby please
She′s nothing
Nothing to me
I said more photographs may come to light
I said i'm sorry and i′m seeking help
I said you'd never see me crawling like
A caterpillar of the commonwealth
But i hope
This don't change
The way you want to vote
But i hope
This don′t change
The way you want to vote
For caterpillars of the commonwealth
For caterpillars of the commonwealth
The song "Caterpillars" by Will Connolly is a complex and layered commentary on power, manipulation, and accountability. The first verse describes the power dynamic in a relationship where one person is conditioned to listen and obey while the other is the one in control. The metaphor of a fisherman and bait highlights the idea that the person in charge is using the other person for their own gain. The chorus brings up the idea of secrecy and how the person in control wants the other person to keep their indiscretions a secret. The line "For caterpillars of the commonwealth" suggests that these types of manipulative relationships are not uncommon in today's society.
The second verse continues with the power dynamic theme, with the person in control telling the other person that they have potential but still need to be kept in check. The metaphor of a caterpillar emphasizes the idea that the other person is still in a transitional phase and needs guidance. The bridge introduces a twist in the story, with the person in control apologizing for their actions and seeking help. However, the final chorus suggests that the damage has already been done and that this revelation of flaws shouldn't change how someone votes.
Overall, "Caterpillars" is a powerful commentary on how power can corrupt relationships, and how society tends to turn a blind eye to these power dynamics until they are exposed. The lyrics are full of metaphors and subtle commentary that makes the song both intriguing and thought-provoking.
Line by Line Meaning
Lips are twitching so you crack a smile
You're only pretending to enjoy this situation because you've been conditioned to put on a fake smile despite your discomfort.
You've been conditioned to listen and wait
You've been trained to be submissive and to follow orders without questioning them.
Move an inch and I will trek a mile
I'm in control of this situation, and any attempt by you to take charge or assert yourself will be met with a strong response from me.
I'm a fisherman and you're the bait
I'm manipulating you into doing what I want, and you don't even realize it because you're so focused on my charm and charisma.
You know you'll always be my valentine
I'm using flattery and empty promises to make you feel special so that you'll continue to do as I say.
Now swear to god that you will never tell
I'm making you swear to not disclose any secrets or slip-ups of mine that could jeopardize my reputation.
They're streaming every indiscretion live
The media is broadcasting all of my mistakes and embarrassing moments for the world to see.
For caterpillars of the commonwealth
People like you and me, who are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, are being exploited and manipulated by those in power.
Gotta go
I have to leave now.
You can stay
You can remain here if you want.
Make yourself at home
Feel free to relax and settle in as if this were your own home.
This campaign
The political race that I'm involved in.
Don't run itself you know
I need to be actively working to win this race, and I can't just sit around waiting for things to happen on their own.
You've got potential little parasite
I see potential in you, but you're also dependent on me and could be considered a burden or nuisance.
I tie your hands so I can wish you well
I'm holding you back with my control and manipulation, but I'm trying to convince myself that it's for your own good.
Cuz I'm a gentleman and you are like, a caterpillar of the commonwealth
I'm trying to convince myself that I'm being kind and chivalrous to you, even though I know I'm really just using you for my own benefit.
I said more photographs may come to light
I warned you that there may be more embarrassing pictures or videos of me circulating online or in the media.
I said I'm sorry and I'm seeking help
I'm trying to make amends and show that I'm taking steps to address my past actions or behavior.
I said you'd never see me crawling like, a caterpillar of the commonwealth
I tried to convince you that I'll never stoop to a level of powerlessness or manipulation like those who control the Commonwealth and its citizens.
But I hope, this don't change the way you want to vote
I'm worried that this scandal or incident will sway your opinion or vote against me, even though I'm trying to convince you otherwise.
For caterpillars of the commonwealth
Once again, acknowledging that both you and I are essentially powerless in the face of those who control the government and society.
Writer(s): William Patrick Connolly
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.