Pong Winner

Feeling like a winner in a situation but having nowhere to go or nothing to do.

Chewing gum, reminiscent of a trend or habit from 2003, possibly indicating nostalgia or being stuck in the past.

Back on the bench, possibly metaphorical for feeling sidelined or out of the action.

Physically turning away from the field, feeling disconnected or disinterested.

The coach's indifference to staying or leaving reflects a sense of insignificance or lack of impact.

Finding joy or happiness in seeing someone smile, a moment of positivity.

Experiencing a pleasant environment or situation ('warm sun on the trench') akin to a miraculous journey ('miracle mile').

Offering a clumsy or poorly made excuse ('bungled excuse') for missing a text.

Apologizing for not responding to a text message.

Seeing something, possibly an event or action, but feeling disoriented or confused ('a bit of a mess').

Despite advice or guidance, not paying attention or heeding it.

Repeated lines from 13 to 20, emphasizing the inability to acknowledge past mistakes or difficulties ('knots in the oak'). Feeling unsuccessful ('bank shot before the net'). Missing opportunities ('nesting place is a screenshot'). Moving on without reflection.

I never listened

All of the knots in the oak by the river

Wouldn't admit that they'd ever been twisted

For every step I take is a bank shot

I'll hit the wall before I get to the net

Yeah every nesting place is a screenshot

That I can miss when I'm on to the next

Repeated lines emphasizing the same themes of missed opportunities, lack of learning from mistakes, and moving forward without introspection.

French kisser like it's 1983

And the hands running down stroke the spine

I'll find something to worry about

My time to shine

I tried the stocks but the IPO is dead

A hammock in the woods an IPA instead

Yeah my anarchist thoughts will make me rich

I'll be trickling down

But just on the surface

For all you tried to tell me

I never listened

All of the knots in the oak by the river

Wouldn't admit that they'd ever been twisted

Yeah every step I take is a bank shot

I'll hit the wall before I get to the net

Yeah every nesting place is a screenshot

That I can miss when I'm on to the next

Metaphorical imagery of an open opportunity during difficult times ('thunderstorm') but still choosing mundane activities to pass time ('enroll in new semesters').

Continuing education without a specific goal or purpose.

Being accustomed to a routine or environment represented by a 'superstore' and pretending surprise at its predictability.

Becoming desensitized to winning or success.

Repeated lines emphasizing the inability to learn from advice, being stuck in repetitive cycles ('bank shot,' 'nesting place is a screenshot'), and moving on without reflecting on experiences.

For all you tried to tell me

I never listened

All of the knots in the oak by the river

Wouldn't admit that they'd ever been twisted

For every step I take is a bank shot

I'll hit the wall before I get to the net

Yeah every nesting place is a screenshot

That I can miss when I'm on to the next

Reiteration of feeling stuck, unable to make progress ('every step is a bank shot').

Continued struggle before achieving success ('hit it all before making net').

Repeated idea of missed opportunities or significant moments when moving on to the next thing ('nesting place is a screenshot').

Reinforcing the notion of missing important moments while swiftly moving forward.