Tell Me Something New
Zo! (R&B) Lyrics
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How did I get here?
Today is very different than yesterday
So this is the world?
I miss my old womb
The wallpaper here just ain't the same
This world is something strange
I'm wet
I'm cold
I need a change
This world is something new to me
Oh, my head! What is this? I can't take it!
Me neither!
I'm hungry
I'm tired
I'm irritated
But I love the extra leg room
Man, they cut my cord!
Consider yourself lucky!
This world is way too big
And populated by fuzzy pigs
This world is something new to me
This world is such a gas
P.U., where's your class?
This world is something new to me
Quiet! Can't a guy get some shuteye?
It's so noisy in here
I can barely hear myself suck
The food here tastes pretty good
My compliments to the chef
And you gotta holler to get fed
But I could get used to that
This world is way too bright
Can't somebody turn down the light?
So that's what that thing looks like
All things here are meant for play
It's gonna be a real cool day
This world is something new to me
Ba-da-bu-bu-bu-bu-bu
(Real cool)
La-la-la-la
This world is something new to me
In "Tell Me Something New," Zo! creates a vivid narrative that encapsulates the feelings of newfound awareness and the transition into an unfamiliar world. The opening lines reflect a state of confusion and disorientation, as the singer grapples with an identity crisis, questioning their whereabouts and the circumstances that have led them to their current situation. This dislocation serves as an allegory for new beginnings, whether they stem from childhood, adolescence, or significant life changes. The singer’s musings hint at a wistful nostalgia for the comfort of their old "womb," indicating a yearning for the safety and warmth of their previous existence—an existence that is shielded from the harsher realities of the outside world. The stark contrast drawn between the familiar and the unfamiliar highlights the anxiety that often accompanies life's transitions.
As the verses progress, the singer continues to wrestle with the strangeness of this new world. The visceral imagery of being “wet” and “cold” evokes a sense of vulnerability, suggesting that the singer is navigating an environment that is simultaneously fascinating and daunting. This feeling of discomfort is further accentuated by the line “I need a change,” which hints at an internal struggle to reconcile with their current reality. The repetition of the phrase "this world is something new to me" underscores the theme of exploration—the singer is in a state of discovery, albeit filled with trepidation. The uneasy embrace of the newness implies an inherent desire for growth and understanding, despite the hardships they encounter.
Humor begins to seep into the narrative as the singer expresses frustration alongside subtle humor, particularly when mentioning the "extra leg room" and the exclamation "Man, they cut my cord!" This duality reflects the complexities of navigating a new existence; it is characterized by discomfort, irritation, and yet, moments of delight and recognition. The whimsical imagery of "fuzzy pigs" serves to highlight the absurdity of the new environment, while also signaling the playful nature of childhood exploration—as though the singer is seeing the world through innocent eyes. Ultimately, amid all the chaos, they find joy in simple pleasures, like appreciating the food and acknowledging the need to shout to be heard. This captures the tension between embracing the exhilarating prospects of a new world and grappling with the stark reality of leaving the familiar behind.
In the culmination of the song, the singer's overwhelming sensations become a soundtrack for acceptance and adaptation. They acknowledge the sensory overload of a "world [that is] way too bright," evoking a struggle against both external stimuli and their own internal harmony. The question “So that's what that thing looks like” signifies a gradual realization or enlightenment concerning their surroundings, suggesting that understanding comes with patience and time. Closing with thoughts on play and the prospect of a “real cool day” paints a hopeful picture—while the new world may be full of uncertainties, there is potential for joy and fun experiences ahead. Ultimately, “Tell Me Something New” encapsulates the push and pull of transitioning through life’s myriad experiences, balancing discomfort with the potential for growth and the excitement of what lies ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Where am I?
I find myself in an unfamiliar place, questioning my surroundings.
How did I get here?
I'm bewildered about the journey that led me to this moment.
Today is very different than yesterday
The current experience is a stark contrast to what I've previously known.
So this is the world?
Is this the reality I'm now a part of?
I miss my old womb
I long for the comfort and safety of my previous existence.
The wallpaper here just ain't the same
The environment around me feels strange and unwelcoming.
This world is something strange
The realities of this new existence are odd and unfamiliar.
I'm wet
I am experiencing sensations that are wholly new to me.
I'm cold
I feel discomfort in my new surroundings, which is unsettling.
I need a change
I have an urgent desire to adapt or shift away from the current situation.
This world is something new to me
I recognize that this reality is entirely different from what I've experienced before.
Oh, my head! What is this? I can't take it!
I'm overwhelmed by the newness of my experiences, feeling disoriented.
Me neither!
The feeling of confusion and overwhelm is shared by another.
I'm hungry
I have basic needs that must be fulfilled in this unfamiliar place.
I'm tired
I feel exhausted from the transition to this new experience.
I'm irritated
The challenges of adaptation are causing discomfort and frustration.
But I love the extra leg room
Despite my irritation, I can appreciate certain positives in my new situation.
Man, they cut my cord!
I've been suddenly severed from my previous life or support system.
Consider yourself lucky!
There are others who may wish they had what I possess, even with my challenges.
This world is way too big
The vastness of my new environment feels daunting.
And populated by fuzzy pigs
I see elements here that are whimsical or comical, adding to the strangeness.
This world is something new to me
Again, I confront the reality that my surroundings are fresh and different.
This world is such a gas
There are enjoyable and exciting aspects to my new experience.
P.U., where's your class?
Some elements of this new world are unpleasant and lack refinement.
This world is something new to me
Reiterating the unfamiliarity and novelty of my current surroundings.
Quiet! Can't a guy get some shuteye?
I seek rest amidst the chaos that surrounds me.
It's so noisy in here
The environment is filled with distractions that hinder my peace.
I can barely hear myself suck
I am so overwhelmed that even my basic needs are difficult to perceive.
The food here tastes pretty good
I find some comfort in the nourishment provided in this new place.
My compliments to the chef
I appreciate the effort that goes into making my experience enjoyable.
And you gotta holler to get fed
I must speak up to have my needs met in this new world.
But I could get used to that
I'm beginning to adapt to the way things work here.
This world is way too bright
The intensity of my surroundings is overwhelming and difficult to adjust to.
Can't somebody turn down the light?
I crave a gentler environment to ease my transition.
So that's what that thing looks like
I'm becoming aware of elements in my new environment that are surprising.
All things here are meant for play
The atmosphere encourages fun and exploration.
It's gonna be a real cool day
I sense that new experiences and adventures await me.
This world is something new to me
Reinforcing the idea of continuous discovery in this unfamiliar realm.
Ba-da-bu-bu-bu-bu-bu
Expressing joy and lightheartedness in response to my experiences.
(Real cool)
Acknowledging the enjoyable aspects of my reality.
La-la-la-la
A carefree expression indicating a growing acceptance of my new life.
This world is something new to me
Final reflection on the novelty and potential of my current situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mark Mothersbaugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind