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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "ECNALUBMA" by the artist "They Might Be Giants"

Contents

"ECNALUBMA" by They Might Be Giants is a surreal and satirical piece that mocks society's obsession with spectacle and violence, as well as the inclination towards self-destruction.

The title, when spelled backward, reveals "AMBULANCE," setting the stage for the song's themes. The lyrical protagonist finds themselves witnessing a chaotic event, possibly a fight or a disaster, evidenced by the "injuries, blood, and regrets." They anticipate trouble ("I knew this would happen"), but instead of avoiding it, they seem to partake in the collective frenzy.

The chorus describes the arrival of "his majesty" in a "chariot," likely a metaphor for an ambulance (siren, flashing lights). The crowd reacts with exaggerated reverence, highlighting the irony: tragedy becomes a spectacle that evokes awe.

The second verse introduces the motif of self-destruction: the desire to "cut up [one's] face" with an electric carving knife. This desire intertwines with love and marriage, painting a disturbing picture of destructive relationships fueled by the need to be part of the "electric parade" - the same mad carnival of violence and spectacle.

The closing lines ("Help me, I can't get this window open... never mind, I got it... I think I broke my arm") add another layer of absurdity. The protagonist, caught up in the obsessed crowd, becomes a victim of the chaos. They are unable to escape the situation they helped create, reinforcing the song's message about the self-destructive nature of humanity's fascination with spectacle and violence.

Well it's a good thing that I brought a napkin

I knew that this would happen

Why does this always happen?

That a day of impulsive fun becomes an evening

Of injury, blood and grieving

Injury, blood and grieving

[Chorus:]

Make way make way and stand aside

The crowd takes up the cry

He comes he comes

Bow down bow down and lower your eyes

Before the litter borne by men in fancy uniforms

A chariot from which a siren warns

The regal flashing lights and royal horns

Behold the great one comes

You've got an electric knife

And I've got the need to spite my face

I've got a nose, I know what to do

Hand me that electric knife

Marry me and be my wife

Be by my side in the electric parade

[Chorus:]

Make way make way and stand aside

The crowd takes up the cry

He comes he comes

Bow down bow down and lower your eyes

Before the litter borne by men in fancy uniforms

A chariot from which a siren warns

The regal flashing lights and royal horns

Behold the great one comes

Help me out I can't seem to get this window open

Never mind now it's open, I think my hand is broken

[Chorus:]

Make way make way and stand aside

The crowd takes up the cry

He comes he comes

Bow down bow down and lower your eyes

Before the litter borne by men in fancy uniforms

A chariot from which a siren warns

The regal flashing lights and royal horns

Behold the great one comes

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