Put Me on Top
Rising Above the Curb: Aimee Mann's Plea for Hope
Lyrics
I should be knocking on the door of the pearly gates
I desire entry into heaven, symbolized by the "pearly gates."
Why keep a poor man alive in a job he hates
Questioning the purpose of keeping a financially struggling person in a job they despise.
I've heard that good things will come to he who waits
Expressing the belief that patience will be rewarded with good things.
I should be riding on a float in the hit parade
Desiring recognition and success, picturing oneself on a float in a parade.
Instead of sitting on the curb behind the barricade
Feeling excluded or overlooked, sitting behind a barricade instead of participating.
Another verse in the doormat serenade
Referencing a repetitive and possibly unfulfilling routine, likened to a doormat serenade.
Won't you put me on top
Requesting to be placed in a prominent position or given a chance for success.
Won't you put me on top, or change the odds
Reiterating the desire to be at the top, questioning the current odds or circumstances.
Won't you put me on top
Emphasizing the plea to be elevated or given an opportunity for success.
Or at least put some hope in the bottom of the box
Suggesting the acceptance of hope, even if not at the top, but at the bottom of the box.
Oh, at least put some hope in the box for me
Requesting a small amount of hope, acknowledging the limited options available.
'Cause it's only black and white and not a lot of each
Describing a situation in stark terms, emphasizing the simplicity and scarcity of options.
There's a remote on the shelf, but it's out of reach
Noticing a remote on the shelf that is out of reach, symbolizing unattainable opportunities.
Won't you put me on top
Repeating the plea to be placed at the top, indicating the importance of this desire.
Won't you put me on top, or change the odds
Reiterating the request for a top position or a change in the existing circumstances.
Won't you put me on top
Emphasizing the desire to be at the top and not settle for a lower position.
Or at least put some hope in the bottom of the box
Echoing the idea of placing hope, even if at the bottom of the box, as a form of acceptance.
Put some hope in the bottom of the box
Repeating the call to place hope at the bottom of the box, underscoring its importance.
I need it
Expressing a personal need for hope, reinforcing the plea made throughout the lyrics.
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