Some Thoughts About Television
Wyatt Cenac Lyrics

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Thank you very much, I really appreciate it
and thank you so much for coming out
I know its really cold outside and you all didn't
have to do that, you all could of stay home
and watch television or something
I mean, sure there crimes scene that need investigating
Housewives that need to keep it real
Anyway, so, appreciate you all coming out

and it is really cold and you all came out
and chose to see me
You all could gone to a broadway show
You coulda gone to see Spiderman
I'm a comic book fan
I like comic books, I really wanted to write my own comic book one day
I was going to call it Spiderman
Now, before you call Marvel's lawyer, my Spiderman comic book was not about
a man who get powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider, but it was about a spider who gets bitten by a radioactive man
So, he does't have any superpowers, presay
Just kinda sit on the couch, plays Xbox
complain about how he's over-qualify for the job he got
and trys to stay one step ahead of his arch nemesis

Black Spiderman, who is just a exterminator
named Tyrone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Wyatt Cenac's "Some Thoughts About Television" humorously play with the idea of societal expectations and norms, particularly in regards to how people spend their free time. Cenac expresses gratitude towards his audience for choosing to attend his show rather than staying home to watch television, while at the same time acknowledging the allure of popular TV shows that address issues like crime or drama, such as CSI or reality TV shows featuring housewives. The juxtaposition of these ideas highlight the power of media in shaping our preferences and desires, as well as the importance of taking intentional steps to resist the pull of popular culture.

Cenac then takes a playful turn as he offers an alternative to the standard superhero narrative, contemplating the idea of a Spiderman comic book in which a spider gets bitten by a radioactive man, rather than the other way around. The resulting spider character does not gain any superpowers but instead spends his time as a lazy couch potato, fighting against his arch nemesis, the exterminator Tyrone. This subversion of the typical superhero portrayal challenges the assumption that superheroes always have to be powerful and heroic, and instead offers a humorous take on the mundane realities of daily life.

Overall, the lyrics of "Some Thoughts About Television" use humor and satire to critique societal norms and media influences, offering a refreshing perspective that encourages audiences to question their assumptions and embrace creativity and uniqueness.

Line by Line Meaning

Thank you very much, I really appreciate it
Expressing gratitude for the audience attending his event

and thank you so much for coming out
Expressing gratitude for the audience attending his event

I know its really cold outside and you all didn't have to do that, you all could of stay home and watch television or something
Acknowledging the audience's effort to attend his event despite the cold weather and the alternative options available

I mean, sure there crimes scene that need investigating
Commenting on the many crime investigation shows available on television

Housewives that need to keep it real
Commenting on the popular reality TV show 'Real Housewives'

Anyway, so, appreciate you all coming out and it is really cold and you all came out and chose to see me
Reiterating his appreciation for the audience attending his event despite the unfavorable weather and other entertainment options

You all could gone to a broadway show
Suggesting an alternative entertainment option that the audience could have chosen over attending his event

You coulda gone to see Spiderman
Suggesting an alternative entertainment option that the audience could have chosen over attending his event

I'm a comic book fan
Revealing his personal interest in comic books

I like comic books, I really wanted to write my own comic book one day
Expressing his desire to write his own comic book

I was going to call it Spiderman
Naming his envisioned comic book

Now, before you call Marvel's lawyer, my Spiderman comic book was not about a man who get powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider, but it was about a spider who gets bitten by a radioactive man
Clarifying that his envisioned comic book has a different plot than the original Spiderman series

So, he does't have any superpowers, presay
Describing the singer's character in his envisioned comic book

Just kinda sit on the couch, plays Xbox complain about how he's over-qualify for the job he got
Describing the mundane life of the singer in his envisioned comic book

and trys to stay one step ahead of his arch nemesis Black Spiderman, who is just a exterminator named Tyrone
Introducing the antagonist in his envisioned comic book and providing background information about the character

Contributed by Aaron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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