The Elbow's song "Coming Second" explores the complex emotions that arise from feeling like an underdog or someone who consistently falls short of expectations. The lyrics delve into themes of regret, forgetfulness, and the longing for connection and validation.
The opening lines, "Found a hole and slipped on through / Kissed the stone and learnt the lines," set a tone of introspection and secret knowledge. It could be interpreted as someone searching for answers or escaping from a difficult situation. The following line, "Jumped the cue all the time forgetting you," highlights the speaker's tendency to prioritize other things over the person they care about.
The chorus of the song, "Best dishevelled lover 3yrs running / Coming second to / A picket fence white 9-to-5 who's / Just alive," is a powerful statement on societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The speaker acknowledges their own shortcomings in comparison to someone who embodies conventional success.
The lyrics, "Cut your teeth and breezed on to / another brother's fickle ways / So why amazed when it don't / Come out your way," address a sense of frustration and disillusionment with people who have similar experiences but seem to succeed effortlessly. It highlights the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of failure, unable to break free.
The repetition of "Beyond repair, there is nothing to say / Save some fading regrets" conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair. The speaker acknowledges that their actions have caused harm and that they cannot change the past. However, the lines "Yet I can't be without this" suggest that the memories and experiences are still significant, despite the regret.
The chorus returns in the final verses of the song, with the addition of a refrain, "I need you to be / (to be around) / I want you to say / (you'll be around) / I need you to be / (to be around)." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and desperation, highlighting the speaker's need for connection and validation. It could be interpreted as a plea for someone to remain present in their life, despite the obstacles they may face.
Overall, "Coming Second" is a powerful exploration of the emotions that arise from feeling like an underdog or someone who consistently falls short of expectations. The lyrics delve into themes of regret, forgetfulness, and the longing for connection and validation, making it a relatable and comforting experience for those with similar experiences. It highlights the human desire for acceptance and understanding in a world where we often feel like outcasts.
The opening lines, "Found a hole and slipped on through / Kissed the stone and learnt the lines," set a tone of introspection and secret knowledge. It could be interpreted as someone searching for answers or escaping from a difficult situation. The following line, "Jumped the cue all the time forgetting you," highlights the speaker's tendency to prioritize other things over the person they care about.
The chorus of the song, "Best dishevelled lover 3yrs running / Coming second to / A picket fence white 9-to-5 who's / Just alive," is a powerful statement on societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The speaker acknowledges their own shortcomings in comparison to someone who embodies conventional success.
The lyrics, "Cut your teeth and breezed on to / another brother's fickle ways / So why amazed when it don't / Come out your way," address a sense of frustration and disillusionment with people who have similar experiences but seem to succeed effortlessly. It highlights the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of failure, unable to break free.
The repetition of "Beyond repair, there is nothing to say / Save some fading regrets" conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair. The speaker acknowledges that their actions have caused harm and that they cannot change the past. However, the lines "Yet I can't be without this" suggest that the memories and experiences are still significant, despite the regret.
The chorus returns in the final verses of the song, with the addition of a refrain, "I need you to be / (to be around) / I want you to say / (you'll be around) / I need you to be / (to be around)." This repetition creates a sense of urgency and desperation, highlighting the speaker's need for connection and validation. It could be interpreted as a plea for someone to remain present in their life, despite the obstacles they may face.
Overall, "Coming Second" is a powerful exploration of the emotions that arise from feeling like an underdog or someone who consistently falls short of expectations. The lyrics delve into themes of regret, forgetfulness, and the longing for connection and validation, making it a relatable and comforting experience for those with similar experiences. It highlights the human desire for acceptance and understanding in a world where we often feel like outcasts.
