So What
Southern Roots and Life's Quirks: Gilbert O'Sullivan's 'So What' Reflections
Lyrics
Oh I was born and raised in Alabam
Expressing birth and upbringing in Alabama as a point of origin.
Well it sounds better than Leeds
Comparing Alabama to Leeds, suggesting it's a more favorable place.
Mama said the sooner you grow up
Mother advising on the importance of growing up and leaving home.
The sooner you can leave
Highlighting the desire to leave home as a motivation to mature quickly.
And thus I came into existence
Reflecting on the speaker's existence coming into being.
What else can I tell you
Expressing a lack of additional information about the speaker's existence.
I could reminisce about the kiss
Potentially recalling a memorable kiss that had a significant impact.
That really blew my mind
Recollecting a kiss that profoundly affected the speaker.
I could demonstrate how when I was eight
Describing a celebration at the age of eight that felt like being nine.
I celebrated nine
Reflecting on the passage of time and the speaker's age.
I could be young I might be old
Contemplating the possibilities of being young or old.
I could be and if so
Leaving the outcome open-ended with "if so."
So what
Concluding with a dismissive "So what" attitude.
Got my finger on the trigger
Using a metaphorical trigger, symbolizing control or influence.
Whatever that's supposed to mean
Expressing uncertainty about the significance of having a finger on the trigger.
Got my thumb caught in between the door
Describing a painful incident involving the speaker's thumb and a door.
After which I screamed
Recalling a past incident with physical pain.
It only hurts now when I suck it
Highlighting that the pain only persists when thinking about it.
What else can I tell you
Returning to a lack of additional information about the speaker's existence.
Well its very sad to think you had
Suggesting regret over someone's poor financial decisions.
More money than good sense
Emphasizing the consequences of having more money than good sense.
Now you've lost it all your back to call
Implying the speaker is now relied upon by the person facing financial trouble.
On me you're oldest friend
Referring to the speaker as the oldest friend, indicating a long-standing relationship.
I'm not a man who minces words
Asserting that the speaker is straightforward and does not mince words.
And if that sounds absurd
Addressing potential criticism of the speaker's straightforwardness.
So what
Reiterating a dismissive "So what" attitude in response to potential criticism.
Even if it's likely to become the flavour of the year
Anticipating that a certain activity or idea will become popular.
Demonstrating for the right to work is work that is sincere
Endorsing the sincerity of demonstrating for the right to work.
There ain't no pride in being idle
Rejecting the idea that there is pride in being idle or unemployed.
What else can I tell you
Returning to a lack of additional information about the speaker's existence.
Well I've been described as looking like a nothing of a man
Describing the speaker's appearance as unremarkable or insignificant.
Had my work reviewed by critics who dismiss me out of hand
Mentioning unfavorable reviews of the speaker's work by dismissive critics.
They say I'm middle of the road I say if that is so
Addressing a perception of being middle-of-the-road and responding with indifference.
So what
Concluding with a dismissive "So what" attitude regarding the speaker's perceived mediocrity.
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