By the Book
Unveiling Hidden Desires: Michael Penn's Poetic Reflections
Lyrics
Always been horseblinded
Feeling consistently blinded or unable to see clearly, metaphorically referring to a lack of awareness.
Could never see
Expressing a historical inability to perceive things beyond a limited scope.
Past the two shades on the periphery
Referring to a limited perspective, perhaps influenced by external factors represented by "two shades."
I ask you for mercy
Requesting mercy or compassion from someone or something.
And beg clemency
Pleading for forgiveness or leniency.
But something I'm feeling is sticking with me
Despite asking for mercy, the speaker is experiencing a lingering emotion or sensation.
When you're all alone
Describing a situation when the speaker is absent, emphasizing solitude.
And I am not around
Highlighting the absence of the speaker when the listener is alone.
I know that you think me
Suggesting a perception of the speaker as emotionally distant or unfeeling.
As cold as the ground
Comparing the speaker's emotional state to the coldness of the ground.
I don't play accordion, we disagree
Contrasting personal differences, using the lack of accordion playing as a symbol.
But something I'm thinking is sticking with me
Despite disagreements, the speaker is grappling with persistent thoughts or emotions.
If this ain't by the book then the book must be wrong
Challenging established norms or rules, suggesting a deviation from conventional expectations.
And maybe it is what you hoped all along
Considering the possibility that the unconventional may align with desired outcomes.
Now you didn't think I would go quietly
Refusing to conform silently, expressing resistance against expectations.
When something about you is sticking with me
An enigmatic quality in the other person is persistently affecting the speaker.
This person I've been wasn't me I surmise
Acknowledging a deviation from one's usual self, possibly due to external influences.
You know me too well
Recognizing a level of intimacy where disguises are easily seen through.
You'd see through a disguise
Suggesting an awareness of attempts to deceive or present a false persona.
Someone must have cloned a facsimile
Speculating that a duplicate or imitation of the speaker has been created.
And it bears repeating "sticking with me"
Reiterating the persistence of a mysterious feeling or influence.
They're cutting the bull
Metaphorically describing a situation where unnecessary details are being eliminated.
And they're drinking its blood
Using vivid imagery to depict a brutal and wasteful act, possibly critiquing society.
Show me a patriot
Calling for a display of patriotism or a missile (scud) as symbols of strength.
Show me a scud
Highlighting contrasting elements, possibly in the media, with a critical tone.
And that's about all I can get from TV
The limitations of understanding complex issues solely through television.
And there's still this feeling sticking with me
Despite efforts to simplify information, a lingering feeling persists in the speaker.
If this ain't by the book then the book must be wrong
Reiterating the defiance of conventional norms, suggesting a deliberate choice.
Can't we sleep in
Suggesting a desire for a break from routine or expectations.
You can wake me at dawn
Invoking the idea of starting a new day together.
We'll start us a regular royal dynasty
Playfully suggesting the possibility of creating a significant, lasting relationship.
So long as you are only sticking with me
Emphasizing the importance of commitment and exclusivity in the relationship.
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