The Return of Sean Analyzing Song Lyrics

In the earlier days of this blog, I occasionally wrote posts where I pointed out and analyzed various pop song lyrics. While it turns out that I haven't done a post about song lyrics since 2019, now seems like a perfect time to bring back a classic.

Stella Lefty - Boston

On a train back to Boston and we're jumpin' the gun

And I'm tellin' you, baby, this the part where I'd run

But I like it when you're nice, like it when you're nice to me

Like it when your partner is nice to you? That seems like a fairly low bar.

Bella Kay - iloveitiloveitiloveit (Video NSFW due to language)

I love it when we fight and I like it when you’re mean.

We don’t have to get into what that says about me.

My apologies to Ms. Lefty. Maybe nice isn’t such a low bar.

Ella Langley - Choosin' Texas

This is the song of the summer and will likely be the song of 2026. And sure, most people think that this song is about an ex-boyfriend of Langley who decided to return to another woman in Texas. But what if this song is about something else entirely? I've included the entire lyrics to the song below. It definitely hits differently if you picture the song from the point of view of the University of Tennessee football program and its fans lamenting its loss in attempting to recruit quarterback Arch Manning, who chose (the University of) Texas!

Just when I thought I got him to fall in love with Tennessee

I shoulda known better than to take him back to Abilene

I put him right back into her arms

I wasn't a match for that kinda spark 

She's from Texas, I can tell by the way

He's two steppin' 'round the room

And judgin' by the smile that's written on his face

There's nothin' I can do

It doesn't take a crystal ball to see

A cowboy always finds a way to leave

Drinkin' Jack all by myself

He's choosin' Texas, I can tell

Well, I guess he forgot about the Smoky Mountain rain

Them old Hank tunes, the Memphis blues we used to sing

He always loved Amarillo By Morning

I shoulda taken that as a warning

She's from Texas, I can tell by the way

He's two steppin' 'round the room

And judgin' by the smile that's written on his face

There's nothin' I can do

It doesn't take a crystal ball to see

A cowboy always finds a way to leave

Drinkin' Jack all by myself

He's choosin' Texas, I can tell

When I'm eastbound and down and I can't help but cry

'Cause I-40 gets lonelier with every mile

I'll know that his mind wasn't ever gonna change

'Cause his heart still belongs to the Lone Star State

She's from Texas, I can tell by the way

He's two steppin' 'round the room

And judgin' by the smile that's written on his face

There's nothin' I can do, nah, yeah

It doesn't take a crystal ball to see

A cowboy always finds a way to leave

Drinkin' Jack all by myself

He's choosing Texas, I can tell, no

Drinkin' Jack all by myself

He's choosin' Texas, I can tell

Come on, baby

Oh, yeah

Just when I thought I got him to fall in love with Tennessee

Niall Horan - Tastes So Good

I freeze

When you're not swimming in my bloodstream

I don't know what this means, but no one should be in your bloodstream. Oh, unless it's like an Osmosis Jones situation.

Sabrina Carpenter - House Tour (Video is iffy but lean towards NSFW)

The couch is really comfy comfy

Got some Chips Ahoy

If you're hungry hungry

I'd love to know if Chips Ahoy is sponsoring this song. Like did they pay Carpenter $1 million for the product placement? Oh, Chips Ahoy cookies are meh. Now, chewy Chips Ahoy cookies are legit!

Olivia Rodrigo - the cure (video NSFW for one word)

But my head if full of poison

And my heart is full of doubt

I got toxins in my bloodstream

You tried hard to suck them out

Toxins in your bloodstream aren't good, but it seems better than having someone swim in Niall Horan's bloodstream or Niall Horan being in someone else's bloodstream!

Please click here to read more posts where I analyze song lyrics.

Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics - Summer 2019

The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards took place on Monday night. This isn't a post about how I'm too old for MTV or me complaining about how MTV doesn't play videos anymore. Instead, this is the return of Sean analyzing song lyrics featuring some of the songs from Monday night. Please note that I'm including videos of the songs below. Some of them may not be suitable for work.

Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello - "Señorita"

Land in Miami

Before I talk about the first line of the first verse, let's look at some other Shawn Mendes songs.

Shawn Mendes - "If I Can't Have You"

I'm in Toronto and I got this view

Shawn Mendes - "Lost in Japan"

Do you got plans tonight?
I'm a couple hundred miles from Japan, and I
I was thinking I could fly to your hotel tonight

Okay we get it. Shawn Mendes is a successful 21 year-old pop star who gets to travel the world. I'm happy for you Shawn. Really I am. Now, correct the spelling of your first name.



Lizzo - "Truth Hurts"

New man on the Minnesota Vikings

I actually thought that this line was "No man" which would have been quite a shot at Kirk Cousins, Stefon Diggs, and their teammates. Oprah Magazine has a thorough break-down of this entire song, and while there was some debate about whether or not Lizzo is/was dating someone on the Vikings, it appears that she is/was not. Therefore, let's take a look at some other options about the meaning.

Terence Newman played in the NFL for 15 years most notably for the Dallas Cowboys. Now, he's the nickel/defensive backs coach for the...Minnesota Vikings! So yes, (Terence) Newman on the Minnesota Vikings.

Another possibility is that Lizzo is a Vikings fan and does some PR for the team. After every draft pick or free agent signing, she announces "New man on the Minnesota Vikings."

Lizzo may also be involved in player personnel. Perhaps she's trying to recruit Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman to the Vikings, or, no. She couldn't do this. No way. It's not possible!

Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus - "Old Town Road"

Can't nobody tell me nothin'

A triple negative in a 5-word sentence. This is really impressive!



Taylor Swift featured Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco - "Me"

And you can't spell "awesome" without "me"

I actually originally thought that this was "can't spell us without me" which makes no sense at all. So let's take another line from this song.

Hey kids, spelling is fun.

This reminds me of a post I did, um, several years ago where I looked into the Britney Spears song, "3." In that song, counting was fun. Now, spelling is fun. What a world!



Taylor Swift - "Delicate"

Oh damn, never seen that color blue.

This song is a few years old, but this line really jumps out. Apparently, Swift has never been to the paint section of Home Depot or to Sherwin Williams.



Please click here to see other posts where I look at song lyrics. Some of them go back, um, several years.

Sean Reviews Song Lyrics

It's been over a year since my last post where I analyze lyrics from current pop songs, so I hope that you haven't been sitting in front of your computers or phones continuously hitting refresh in the hope that I would share my thoughts about song lyrics. If you have, then your patience has been vindicated. Please note that I'm including videos of the songs to this post, so there may be some NSFW lyrics in them. Here we go:

"Meant to Be" by Bebe Rexha, featuring Florida Georgia Line



I don't mean to be so uptight, but my heart's been hurt a couple times
By a couple guys that didn't treat me right
I ain't gon' lie, ain't gonna lie
'Cause I'm tired of the fake love, show me what you're made of
Boy, make me believe
But hold up, girl, don't you know you're beautiful?
And it's easy to see

This makes absolutely no sense. Ms. Rexha sings about awful past relationships and how she wasn't treated right. One of the members of Florida-Georgia Line (we'll say Florida) then responds with the "But hold up, girl" line basically dismissing her by saying that you're beautiful, so you'll be fine. What a jerk!


"Finesse" by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B



We out here drippin' in finesse
It don't make no sense

"Don't make no sense" is a double negative, so I guess it makes sense. It doesn't make any sense might be what Mr. Mars wanted to say.


"No Roots" by Alice Merton



I've got no roots, but my home was never on the ground
I've got no roots, but my home was never on the ground
I've got no roots oo oo oo oo

Three ways to go here. The first is that Ms. Merton does not have any clothing or gear from the Canadian company, Roots. Perhaps she doesn't own a copy of Alex Haley's book or have a DVD of the epic mini-series meaning that she has no Roots. The final alternative is that she can't get tickets to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or is unable to see the band on tour, so again, she has no Roots.


"Havana" by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug (I highly recommend the video.)



Havana, ooh na-na
Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh-na-na
He took me back to East Atlanta, na-na-na

Do people take other people back to East Atlanta? I know that Buckhead is a popular place to go but I've never heard that about East Atlanta (na-na-na). Do any of the Real Housewives live in East Atlanta?


That concludes today's edition of Sean's take on current song lyrics. Please click here to see past editions of Sean analyzing song lyrics. This feature will probably return in 2019, or sooner, or later.

Sean Analyzes Current Song Lyrics (With 80s Movies!)

Welcome to a brand new edition of Sean analyzing current song lyrics. The songs below are all near the top of the charts and all used lyrics that are inspired by 80s movies.

Zayn and Taylor Swift - I Don't Want To Live Forever

I don’t wanna live forever
‘Cause I know I’ll be living in vain
And I don’t wanna fit wherever
I just wanna keep calling your name, until you come back home

I picture Zayn just sitting on a couch saying "Taylor" over and over again until she returns home. Just like this:



Ariana Grande featuring Nicki Minaj - Side to Side

I'm talkin' to ya
See you standing over there with your body

Standing over there with your body? Someone watched Weekend at Bernie's recently!

Hailee Steinfeld - Starving

I didn't know that I was starving till I tasted you

This is exactly how it started for one Dr. Hannibal Lecter.



Please click here to see past editions of Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics.

Brand New Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics

My friend Sista K recently posted on Facebook that Meghan Trainor's No "is my current jammmmm." Although we have similar taste in music, I have to disagree with Sista K on this one. This also seems like the perfect opportunity to bring back the Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics series.

One Call Away by Charlie Puth

I'm only one call away
I'll be there to save the day
Superman got nothing on me
I'm only one call away

Superman can fly, has X-ray vision, is faster than a speeding bullet, can leap tall buildings in a single bound, and is basically the greatest superhero of all time. However, apparently he has nothing on Charlie Puth. I guess Puth can do all this and is resistant to kryptonite.

No by Meghan Trainor (The reason behind this post.)

My name is no,

That's an unusual name. Is it short for a Nor'easter?

My sign is no,

Who even asks about signs anymore? Anyway, I'm familiar with the Zodiac system, and there's no such sign as no.

My number is no

Now this could be clever. No can be short for number like "This song is not going to be No. 1." I'm guessing that's not what Meghan is going for meaning that, like the Zodiac signs, no is not a number.

You need to let it go, you need to let it go

Oh, let go. I get enough "no" responses from my toddler.

Work by Rihanna

Work, work, work, work, work, work
You see me I be work, work, work, work, work, work
You see me do me dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt
There's something 'bout that work, work, work, work, work, work
When you a gon' learn, learn, learn, learn, learn, learn
Me na care if me tired, tired, tired, tired, tired, tired

When I typed Work Rihanna Lyrics into Bing, this is what appears. There is no way this is correct. Rihanna is incoherent by the end. It honestly just sounds like she's babbling. I need to let it go.

Love Yourself by Justin Bieber

For all the times that you rain on my parade
And all the clubs you get in using my name
You think you broke my heart, oh girl for goodness sake
You think I'm crying, oh my oh, well I ain't

I hate giving Justin Bieber credit, but this is a well written song. Except for one tiny thing. I can't get past ain't. It's not like sake and ain't rhyme. "I'm not" would work just fine here instead.

Cake in the Ocean by DNCE

I'll be Diddy, you'll be Naomi, whoa

I assume this is a reference to Naomi Campbell and not Naomi Watts or Naomi Judd, right? I guess there was something between Diddy and Campbell? If there was, it certainly wasn't as newsworthy (or song lyric worthy) as Diddy and J-Lo.

So what are your thoughts on Trainor's song? Yes or no?

Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics - Fall 2015 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Sean analyzing song lyrics where I tackle lyrics of some of the biggest current pop songs.

Adele - Hello

Hello from the other side
I must've called a thousand times
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home

I'll take the under. There is no chance Adele called 1,000 times. She must have sent some text or e-mails too. Plus, after maybe 20 or 30 calls, wouldn't you leave a message? I'm sure the person she called has caller ID and would get really upset at seeing hundreds of missed calls. That's probably the point when you change your phone number.

Demi Lovato - Cool for the Summer

Take me down into your paradise
Don't be scared cause I'm your body type

I'd like to think that I teach my children values and lessons. Saying please and thank you are important. Not tackling your brother is something we're still working on too. However, one thing that I learned this summer that I hope to instill in my kids is not to be scared of people that are your body type.

Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean?

When you nod your head yes
But you wanna say no
What do you mean? Hey
When you don’t want me to move
But you tell me to go
What do you mean?
Oh, what do you mean?
Said we’re running out of time
What do you mean?
Oh oh oh what do you mean?
Better make up your mind
What do you mean?

I'm sorry, but I can't take Justin Bieber asking questions seriously. I mean, this is the guy who was arrested and received probation for throwing eggs at his neighbor. Plus, he wore this when meeting now former Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.

Silento - Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)

You already know who it is

No, I don't know who it is. Oh wait, are you Cali Swag District of Teach Me How To Dougie? No. Are you the Harlem Shake guy? No. Well, I knew Los Del Rio of Macarena fame. Los Del Rio were friends of mine. You're no Los Del Rio.

Charlie Puth featuring Meghan Trainor - Marvin Gaye

Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on.

Look, I enjoy listening to pop music. I even like that Justin Bieber song up there. However, this is just a terrible song with terrible lyrics. When I think of this song, I think of the awesome kids' book, The Gruffalo. Why? The Gruffalo features a line that "He has terrible tusks and terrible claws and terrible teeth and terrible jaws." Notice how often terrible is used? Just like this "Marvin Gaye" song. Terrible.



Click here to see previous versions of Sean analyzing song lyrics.

Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics (Yes Again)

Do you listen to songs on the radio and think to yourself, I would love to know Sean's thoughts about various lyrics? Well, I'm back again to analyze lyrics from some of the biggest current pop songs.

FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna & Kanye West & Paul McCartney

Now I'm FourFiveSeconds from wildin'
And we got three more days 'til Friday

McCartney is one of the greatest songwriters ever. However, this is just a fancy way of staying that it's Tuesday.

I'm just tryna make it back home by Monday, mornin'

So, you have 6 more days to get home and you're singing about this now? Can you at least wait until Friday to start telling everyone that you need to be home by Monday?

Style by Taylor Swift

Midnight, you come and pick me up
No headlights

Even The Wallflowers had one headlight.

(and later)

So it goes
He can't keep his wild eyes on the road

Taylor, this guy is a terrible driver. Stay away!

I Don't Mind by Usher

Shawty, I don’t mind If you dance on a pole
That don’t make you a ho
Shawty, I don’t mind when you work until three
If you’re leaving with me
Go make that money, money, money
Your money, money, money
Cause I know how it is, go and handle your biz
And get that money, money, money
Your money, money, money
You can take off your clothes
Long as you coming home, girl, I don’t mind

Usher, you're 36 years old and have two kids. Why are you singing a song like this?

Centuries by Fall Out Boy

Some legends are told
Some turn to dust or to gold
But you will remember me, remember me for centuries

No, Fall Out Boy, we will not remember you for centuries. Think about it. How many musicians can you name from the 1700s? Mozart. Beethoven. Anyone else? Well, Fall Out Boy, you are no Mozart or Beethoven. In 200 years, maybe folks will know McCartney, but they're not going to know you. (Wow, this sounds really mean. Sorry.)

Click here for previous installments of me analyzing song lyrics.

Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics (Again)

As a student of pop culture, I try to be familiar with the latest trends in music. However, I understand that I am out of the demographic for many of the new songs and artists. That doesn't stop me from analyzing lyrics from recent hits. Enjoy!

"Fancy" by Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX

First things first, I'm the realest.

How exactly do you quantify this? Is Izzy really realer than say Steelers WR Antonio Brown?

And I'm still in the Murda Bizness

How is business going? Is there a substantial murder business for Australian-born female rappers?

I'm so fancy
You already know

How exactly would we know this?

I'm in the fast lane
From L.A. to Tokyo

There's a fast lane from LA to Tokyo? Even the fast lane would take a really long time. Maybe she travels by map.



"All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor

Yeah, my momma she told me don't worry about your size
She says, boys they like a little more booty to hold at night

Mom, really said that last line? That's quite the open relationship between a mother and daughter. Maybe it is a female thing. When my male sons are grown, I can't picture having this kind of discussion with them.

"Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

Bang bang into the room (I know you want it)
Bang bang all over you (I’ll let you have it)

What the heck does bang bang all over you mean? Actually, I don't want to know.

She might’ve let you hold her hand in school, but I’mma show you how to graduate.

To graduate, make sure you study so you get passing grades on tests. In addition, do not violate the attendance policy. Done.


This concludes another edition of Sean analyzing song lyrics. Click here for previous editions.

The Return of Sean Analyzing Song Lyrics

Since I refuse to write about snow, I thought I would share some thoughts about current songs. Enjoy!

Aloe Blacc - The Man

You can tell everybody
Yeah you can tell everybody
Go ahead and tell everybody
I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man

That's a little arrogant, now isn't it, Aloe? And what makes you think people want to go around telling people you're the man? What would happen if Aloe approached you about this at a party?

Aloe: Hey Sean.
Sean: Hello.
Aloe: Go ahead and tell everybody I'm the man.
Sean: Um, yeah, I'll get right on that.

Katy Perry - Roar

I've got the eye of the tiger.

Katy Perry - Dark Horse

Cause I'm coming at you like a dark horse.

Someone visited the farm and zoo while writing their latest album. Either that or read a lot of kids books.

The Juicy J portion of Dark Horse

She's a beast.
I call her Karma.
She eats your heart out
Like Jeffrey Dahmer.

I'll take 20 year-old references that most fans of this song won't understand for $400, Alex.

Pharrell Williams - Happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.

This is a good thing? Won't you get wet when it rains and cold when it snows?

That concludes the latest edition of Sean analyzing song lyrics.

Sean Analyzes Song Lyrics

It’s has been nearly two years since I analyzed lyrics of popular songs. What has kept me from analyzing song lyrics over the past two years? No idea. Anyway, here are lyrics from relatively recent songs.

fun. – We Are Young

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

It doesn’t matter what age you are. Setting the world on fire is not okay. I believe they call that arson.

Alicia Keys – This Girl Is On Fire

This girl is on fire
This girl is on fire
She’s walking on fire
This girl is on fire

This is clearly fun.’s fault!

Taylor Swift – 22

I don't know about you
But I'm feeling 22
Everything will be alright
If you keep me next to you
You don't know about me
But I'll bet you want to
Everything will be alright (alright)
If we just keep dancing like we're
22

I’ve admitted to liking Taylor Swift songs in the past. I don’t know about this song though. Artists sometimes write songs thinking back to their younger days. Eddie Money’s I Wanna Go Back and Bryan Adams’ Summer of 69 are examples. So with all of her life experiences, Taylor Swift writes a song about her experiences being 22. That’s fine, except that she’s now all of 23. Nice perspective there, Taylor.

Demi Lovato – Heart Attack

Puttin’ my defenses up
'Cause I don’t wanna fall in love
If I ever did that
I think I’d have a heart attack

Demi Lovato – Give Your Heart a Break

So let me give your heart a break
Give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break
Your heart a break
Oh, yeah yeah

Is Demi Lovato a cardiologist? What’s with all of her songs about hearts? Demi Lovato is to hearts as Sir Mix-A-Lot is to butts.

National Love

When we last checked in with the highly successful rapper Pitbull, we noted that he displayed his lyrical skills by rhyming Kodak with Kodak. Since that time, "Mr. 305" earned 11 2012 Billboard Latin Music Award nominations and VH1 featured him on a recent Behind the Music episode. He also teamed up with Chris Brown (probably not the former Tennessee Titans Running Back) for the single International Love. Let's take a look at Pitbull's latest masterpiece.

You Put It Down Like New York City
I Never Sleep
Wild Like Los Angeles
My Fantasy
Hotter Than Miami
I Feel The Heat
Ohh Miss International Love

This is the chorus. Now, I acknowledge that my geography skills are probably average at best; however, the chorus features three cities: New York City, Los Angeles & Miami. Therefore, shouldn't Pitbull rename the song National Love or American Love? You can't throw in London, Tokyo or Paris in the chorus?

The song also featured two more lines I feel the need to share.

In Lebanon Yeah The Women Are Bomb

I feel like referring to people or things as "bomb" or "the bomb" stopped in 2000.

And in Greece, you've guessed it, the women are sweet

I didn't guess it. My guess would have had something to do with the Greek economy. Is Pitbull making some type of reference to baklava? I hope Pitbull isn't attempting to rhyme Greece and sweet. I think he should have tried peace, hairpiece, geese, crease or fleece. Here are my two suggestions for the remix:

1. And the women in Greece like to wear fleece
2. And in Greece, the women like Marc-Andre Fleury in the crease

Perhaps, I'm not qualified to be a rapper.

Anyway, despite some odd lyrics, Pitbull knows how to create catchy songs. Enjoy.

What Rhymes With Kodak?

One of the biggest hits of this summer was Give Me Everything by Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer. Although Pitbull gets top billing and probably brought everyone together, I think Ne-Yo deserves credit for the song's success based on his chorus alone. It certainly can't be because of Pitbull's rhymes. Let's took a look, shall we?

The song begins with the following lyrics:

Me not working hard?
Yeah right, picture that with a Kodak
Or better yet, go to Times Square
Take a picture of me with a Kodak

So Pitbull rhymed Kodak with Kodak. Really? You're a successful rapper and you can't come up with something that rhymes with Kodak?

Later Pitbull sings/raps:

Baby, baby, and it ain't no secret
My family's from Cuba
But I'm an American Idol
Get money like Seacrest

Secret and Secrest. I guess that's slightly better than Kodak and Kodak, but how is this guy one of the biggest rappers out there? He's certainly not close to the lyrical level of Jay-Z, Kanye or Eminem.

In case you're not familiar with the song, here's the video. Enjoy the magical rhymes!

The Return of Sean Analyzing Popular Song Lyrics

Welcome to the second edition of my analysis of popular pop song lyrics. (The first AMAZING version is available here.) Let’s take a look at five relatively current hits.

Enrique Iglesias - Tonight (I’m Lovin You)

Here’s the situation been to every nation

Really Enrique. You’ve been to North Korea, South Sudan, Nauru and Tuvalu? I demand to see your passport for proof.

(Same song)

You know my motivation
Given my reputation
Please excuse I don't mean to be rude

I believe that your reputation is someone who dates a former Russian tennis player known much more for her off the count activities than her tennis abilities. Unless of course your reputation is lying about visiting every nation.

Justin Bieber – Never Say Never

I’m strong enough to climb the highest tower.

Okay Canadian boy, let’s see you climb Toronto's CN Tower, eh.



Jessie J – Price Tag

It's not about the money, money, money
We don't need your money, money, money
We just wanna make the world dance,
Forget about the Price Tag

It’s not too early to think about my child’s first birthday party, so I wanted to see if Jessi J is available to perform. Since she doesn’t need my money and I should forget about the price tag, I look forward to seeing her perform at my home. You can even stay in our extra bedroom to help us save some money, money, money instead of putting you up at a hotel.

Enrique Iglesias featuring Pitbull – I Like It

My life is a movie and you're just Tivo (heh)

I disagree Pitbull. Can you go the theater and pause or record a movie? I can record two movies at once with my DVR and while catching up on Modern Family and Parks and Recreation. "My life is Tivo, you're just a movie" makes much more sense.

Britney Spears – Till the World Ends

See the sunlight
We ain’t stoppin’
Keep on dancing till the world ends

The official song of the May 21, I mean October 21, 2011 rapture.



Seeing this wallpaper everywhere may also be a sign of the world ending.

Sean Analyzes Popular Song Lyrics

Although I’m in my 30s, I like to keep track of music that the kids listen to these days. You know, I think this Lady Gaga could have a future. Only a few people know of her now, but she could be the next big star. Anyway, here are lyrics of songs from this year and my thoughts about said lyrics.

Mike Posner – Cooler Than Me

I used up all my tricks,
I hope that you like this.
but you probably won't,
you think you're cooler than me.

So let me understand this, Mike. You used all of your tricks, but the girl still doesn't like you, and the reason is because she thinks that she is cooler than you? Maybe it's you. Maybe you're a jerk and that's why she doesn't like you. Try to be yourself and that could help. Of course, maybe she is cooler than you.



Taylor Swift – Mine

Braced myself for the goodbye
Cause that's all I've ever known
And you took me by surprise
You said I'll never leave you alone

I think Taylor (we're on a first-name basis) wrote this as a romantic song, but this last line sounds a bit, well, stalker-ish.

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream

I'ma get your heart racing
In my skin-tight jeans
Be your teenage dream tonight

Teenage dream? No Katy, you're the adult dream for many folks.



Flo Rida - Club Can't Handle Me

You know I know how
To make 'em stop and stare as I zone out
The club can't even handle me right now

I have no idea what the first two lines mean, so I'm just focusing on the last sentence. You know what the club can't even handle me right now means? It means that that he was an uncontrollable drunk and the bouncers kicked him out. The club can't handle him is a fancy way of saying that.

I hope you enjoyed the first edition of Sean Analyzes Popular Song Lyrics. Please join us again whenever I can figure out the lyrics of more songs.

Lyric of the Day: Thug Edition

The following lyrics are courtesy of the band Train from their current song, Hey Soul Sister:

The way you can cut a rug
Watching you is the only drug I need
So gangster, I’m so thug
You’re the only one I’m dreaming of

So gangster, I’m so thug? You’re a staple on adult contemporary radio; you’re not thug! You’re lead singer is Patrick Monahan from Erie. I could be wrong, but I don’t think of Erie as thug territory. I get it; perhaps this line is inspired by the episode of CSI: New York where Monahan "plays a former homeless drug addict who becomes involved in a murderous scheme." (Thanks to Wikipedia for this info.) Maybe that’s why you think you’re thug.

Regardless the chorus of the song disproves the thug identity. “Hey, Soul Sister. Ain’t that Mister Mister on the radio.” You remember the thuggish band Mr. Mister, don’t you? They had such thuggish hits as Broken Wings, now featured on an E-trade (I think) commercial with two talking babies, and Kyrie with the word eleison in the chorus.

"Kýrie, eléison, down the road that I must travel
Kýrie, eléison, through the darkness of the night"

No wonder I never understood what Mr. Mister said during that song. It's not a word in the English language!

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Completely unrelated to this not-so-serious rant, I encourage you to visit That's Church who is working to help two Pittsburghers in Haiti and the orphanage that they run. It's incredible the amount of support that they have received so far, but it's not over as help is still needed for them and the country.

More information about this is also in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Analyzing Britney Spears' 3

Britney Spears recently released the song titled 3 off of her second greatest hits album, The Singles Collection. I have to admit that I was not expecting Britney to release a children's song though that is understandable as she is the mother of two young children. I applaud her efforts to teach kids the importance of counting and sharing and the number three. (If you're not familiar with the song, the video is at the bottom of this post.) Let's take a look at her lyrics:

1, 2, 3
This is the proper way to learn how to count. Start with the basics.

not only you and me
If it was just you and me, that would be two.

Got one eighty degrees
I'll be honest in that I don't understand this line. However, by searching 180 degrees in Google, the first result is for 180 Degrees, Inc., a Minneapolis non-profit that "has been providing intervention, prevention and supportive services to juvenile and adults since 1973." In that case, bravo to Britney for pointing out the important work of this organization.

And I'm caught in between
You can't be caught in between with just two. The number two is caught in between 1 and 3.

Countin'
Counting

1, 2, 3
Numbers.

Peter, Paul & Mary
A tribute to the late Mary Travers. Maybe this will encourage a new generation to learn more about this inspiring musical group.

Gettin' down with 3p
Sesame Street was brought to you by number 3 and letter p the day this song was written.

Everybody loves (oh)
and the letter o

Countin'
Yes, everybody loves counting!

(The previous portion of the song is the chorus.)



Babe, pick a night
Perhaps, Britney wants kids to learn about the seven days of the week too.

To come out and play
Great line. Britney wants kids to know that counting can be and should be fun. This could also be a tribute to the band, Offspring.

If it's alright
Obviously, you should check with your parents before going over to a friend's home.

What do you say?
Hopefully yes.


Merrier the more
To get you into the holiday spirit.

Triple fun that way
Not just fun or double fun. Triple fun is even, um, funner!

Twister on the floor
Not only will you learn to count, you can play Twister which helps you with colors and coordination.

What do you say?
Again, yes. (Plus, say rhymes with way.)


Are - you in
Britney is really applying the peer pressure.

Livin' in sin is the new thing (yeah)
Some cultures discourage women to learn. Britney sings that these women should learn. It may be a sin to some people, but it shouldn't be.

Are - you in
She's going to keep asking until you say yes.

I am countin'!
She is counting and wants you to join her.

CHORUS (x2)


Three is a charm
Actually three's company but Britney couldn't use that line due to the show's trademark.

Two is not the same
Correct. Two is not the same as three.

I don't see the harm
Seriously, what's the harm in counting?

So are you game?
Just another way of asking if you're in.

Lets' make a team
You can't have a team of one.

Make 'em say my name
That could be part of the game. 1 = Britney; 2 = you; 3 = another person.

Lovin' the extreme
I got nothing on this line.

Now are you game?
She's really applying the peer pressure!


Are - you in
Britney will not give up!

Livin' in sin is the new thing
We addressed this earlier, but using the word "sin" is a reference to letting adults know that it's okay to like this song intended for kids.

yeah Are - you in
OK, asking us again and again is not going to change our answer!

I am countin'!
And back to counting.

CHORUS

(2nd chorus is slightly different with the two lines below replacing "Got one eighty degrees" and "Gettin' down with 3p" respectively)

Got one minute of dreams
Unlike Fiona Apple, Britney wants you to know that she does go to sleep to dream.

Gettin' down with repeat
She wanted to say three-peat, but former Los Angeles Lakers coach Pat Riley has this trademarked.


What we do is innocent
Counting. Learning numbers. Innocent!

Just for fun and nothin' meant
Don't discourage the kids into thinking this is learning is not fun. Learning is fun!

If you don't like the company
With three people, there's always a chance you won't like one of them. Let's call the guy you don't like, Brady.

Let's just do it you and me
But everything is fine since with just the two of you.

You and me
Just reiterating you and me.

Or three
We can ask another person not named Brady.

Or four
or two other people, none of whom are Brady.

- On the floor
Well, duh. You can't play Twister on a roof or in the air.

CHORUS (x2)


So there you have it: Britney's first children's song. Plus, here's the video, which isn't quite as kid-friendly.

Lyric of the Day

Baby are you down, down, down, down, down. - Jay Sean

Note that Mr. Sean doesn’t just ask "baby" if she's down or even down, down. He wants to make sure that baby clearly understands what he is asking by using the word five times. He also isn’t playing confusing pattern games asking if baby is down, up, down, up, down.

Totally unrelated, have you noticed how many people in the music business have the name Sean? Besides Jay Sean, there is Sean Paul, Sean Carter (Jay-Z), and Sean Combs (Puff Daddy/P Diddy). Coincidence?

Songs with Time

Every once in a while, I get an idea that I think would be brilliant to post here. In many cases, these ideas have to do with music (for example my list of the top songs of the 2000s and the 25 greatest Canadian musicians and my compilations of songs with alcohol in the title and songs with states in the title.) This time, I decided to create a list of songs that have a specific time in the lyrics. While Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper, Time Has Come Today by The Chambers Brothers, Time by Pink Floyd and Time by Hootie and the Blowfish all literally have “time” in the title, I’m looking for songs like Billy Joel’s Piano Man which starts with the line, “It’s 9 o’clock on a Saturday.”

Here’s what I’ve come up with thus far:

* Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4 (I still have no idea what this means)
* Matchbox 20 - 3 A.M.
* Simon and Garfunkel – Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. and 7 O’clock News/Silent Night
* KLF – 3 A.M. Eternal
* Anna Nalick – Breathe (2 AM)
* Dolly Parton – 9 To 5
* Alan Jackson – It’s Five O’clock Somewhere
* U2 - 11 O'clock Tick Tock

* Bell Biv DeVoe – Do Me
"The time was 6 o'clock on the Swatch watch
No time to chill, got a date, can't be late
Hey, the girl is gonna do me"

* Destiny’s Child – Jumpin’ Jumpin’
And all you fellas leave your girl with her friends
Cause it's eleven thirty and the club is jumpin', jumpin'

* R. Kelly - Hotel
‘Cuz we`re having an after party, checkin` out 6 in the mornin`

* Bill Haley and His Comets - Rock Around the Clock
One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock, rock

* Jermaine Dupri & Ludacris - Welcome to Atlanta
And parties dont stop til' eight in the mornin'

* Ben Folds Five – Brick
6 am day after Christmas
I throw some clothes on in the dark

* The Bangles – Manic Monday
Six o'clock already
I was just in the middle of a dream

I thought I was putting together an excellent list until I found The Human Clock’s list of songs with time. After reviewing this catalog of dozens and dozens of songs, I quickly realized that I was wasting my own time. I guess my brilliant idea was not so brilliant. If you want to add songs in the comment section BEFORE you visit The Human Clock’s website, please feel free to do so.