The meaning of the lyrics of the song "She's Actual Size" by the artist "They Might Be Giants"

They Might Be Giants' song "She's Actual Size" tells the story of a person completely overwhelmed by the image of a certain woman. She seems incredibly significant, powerful, and unattainable to him, even though she is literally "actual size."

The lyrics are filled with hyperbole and contrasts, emphasizing the lyrical hero's feelings: the world around him collapses ("words lose their meaning," "buildings crumble," "the earth splits open") when she appears, and he himself feels insignificant against her background ("I used to think I was big, but she changed all that"). Her power and influence are felt everywhere: "city blocks look so small in her rearview mirror", "big men jump and dive out of her way."

The hero understands that her size is perfectly normal ("she's actual size, but she seems much bigger to me"), but he cannot get rid of the feeling of his own insignificance. Perhaps she symbolizes an unattainable ideal, power, fame, or even love that seems impossible to him. The image of her face on a poster "on the post office wall" hints at her publicity and fame, reinforcing the contrast with his own experiences.

In the end, he acknowledges that she is "actual size on a national scale," emphasizing that his perception is subjective. The song leaves a bittersweet aftertaste of an impossible dream and adoration for an inaccessible image.