The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Oh You Did" by the artist "They Might Be Giants"

The song "Oh You Did" by They Might Be Giants describes typical situations where a child misbehaves, ignores warnings and does what they are told not to. The lyrical hero of the song - most likely a parent or someone raising a child - describes the baby's tricks with humor and light irony.

The verses list various offenses: rude words addressed to the father, a damaged carpet, noise, disobedience, throwing eggs from a height. It is important to note that the song is not didactic. It contains no direct accusations or aggression. On the contrary, it is filled with an understanding that children learn about the world through experience, even if it is negative.

The recurring phrase "Oh, you did!" emphasizes the spontaneity and speed of children's actions. The child does not have time to think about the consequences, his actions are impulsive. At the same time, the phrase "I told you not to but you just had to, and oh you did" indicates that the child often goes against prohibitions, testing the boundaries of what is permitted.

The chorus features a child's remorse: "Forgive me, forgive me, don't be mad, I didn't mean it, I won't do it again...". This is a classic apology often heard from guilty children who want to make amends.

The final verse describing the strange finds around the house (fur in milk, water on the stairs, eaten napkin) hints that children's imagination and curiosity cannot be limited by any prohibitions.

The final "La la la, tra-la-la" can be interpreted as playful teasing or as a statement of the fact that life with a child is full of surprises, and this should be treated with humor.