Lyrics
Who told you "You have to be good"?
Questioning the source or authority behind the notion of needing to behave well or conform.
They fed you a lie and you took it
Expressing that someone was misled or deceived into believing a falsehood.
But I am no better
Admitting personal fallibility or imperfection despite criticizing others.
I'm a liar, too, with a tongue like a serpent
Acknowledging one's own deceitful tendencies, likening their words to a snake's.
Polite and gracious
Describing a behavior of being courteous and well-mannered.
Posture straightens
Emphasizing an improved posture, possibly indicative of attempting to appear better.
Gathered my friends like they were all marbles rolling around in my palm
Metaphorically describing friends as marbles, suggesting possessiveness or control.
Corralled in my arms, watchful eye like the stars
Protecting or overseeing friends closely, likening it to watching over stars.
Didn't know it was harmful
Realizing later that the actions or behaviors were harmful despite good intentions.
I was polite and gracious
Repetition of earlier behavior, being polite and courteous.
Posture straightens
Continued emphasis on maintaining an improved posture.
I'm not your mother, I never was
Rejecting a maternal role, stating that it was never assumed or intended.
You bit the bullet, but I jumped the gun
Comparing actions—another's acceptance versus the singer's preemptive actions.
When I checked your teeth and saw they were fine
Metaphorical comparison—checking on someone else's well-being led to self-concern.
I started worrying all about mine
Personalizing concern about one's own well-being after focusing on another's.
What does your body want?
Questioning personal desires and needs.
What does it need?
Continuation of self-inquiry, focusing on physical needs and desires.
I'm not your mother, I never will be
Reiteration of not assuming a maternal role for someone else.
I'm in a field looking up at the wild geese
Describing the singer's perspective—observing wild geese in a field.
They're flying south--there's one left behind!
Noticing a stray or left-behind goose among the flock flying south.
I try to push the outcome from my mind
Trying to avoid thinking about the potential outcome or consequences of the situation.
Who do you love? How do you love them?
Questioning the concept of love—whom and how one loves.
What do you want? How do you show it?
Asking about desires and expressions of affection or love.
What does your body say?
Directing attention to the body's responses or signals.
Do you honor it anyway?
Asking if one respects or follows their body's needs or signals despite other considerations.
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