Has it ever occurred to anyone that Westerberg was talking about his abilities to pick up chicks in “If Only You Were Lonely”? After all, he ALWAYS writes about video games, and he ALWAYS writes about masturbating (God knows), and he ALWAYS refers to his guitar playing in songs, so I realize its a tough call. Especially because he NEVER talks about CHICKS in songs.
Comments on the poll
I have to admit (gulp) I completely agree with Mule.
I have always thought that line referred to his ‘one line’ that he uses to pick up chicks. I guess I had the idea that he practices it in front of a mirror at home. Kind of like Eric Roberts in Star 80.
“Hi, I’m Paul”
Chicks Schmicks. Everyone knows the line is about a little self love, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Practice makes perfect, eh.
ok, ok. I admit it. I am the one lingering “video games” voter. I guess I’m just dense – or innocent. One of the two.
Carla, I don’t think it makes you dense (possibly innocent), it’s just that the line is open for all kinds of interpretation.
Of course the right one, is masturbation (I would insert the sarcasm icon here if there was one).
hey somebody should throw down the lyrics to the entire song.
If Only You Were Lonely (lyrics ganked from one of them lyrics web site, so if they are wrong it’s totally not my fault):
Well, I walked out of work
And I was tired as hell
Another day’s come and gone and oh well
Somewhere there’s a drink with my name on it
Well, I ordered a Scotch as I bust through them doors
Spilled half on my jeans
The other half on the floor
When I saw you standing by that video game
Well, I ain’t very good
But I get practice by myself
Forgot my one line
So I just said what I felt
If only you were lonely,
If only you was lonely too,
If only you was lonely
I’d go home with you
Twenty push-ups this morning, that was half my goal
Tonight I’ll be doin’ pull-ups
On the toliet bowl
And somewhere somebody’s throwin up
Well, I broke the seal on my door
And I poured myself to bed
The whirlpool spinning around in my head
Around in my head
There was liquor on my breath
And you were on my mind
And I’ll be dreamin of that smile
Without a care in the world
If only you were lonely,
If only you was lonely too,
If only you was lonely
I walked out of the kitchen
I was tired as hell
Another day’s here and oh well
Somewhere there’s a smile with my name on it.
thanks so much Jodi. i agree with Elegantmule now.
Great discussion! It never occurred to me that that line could be about video games (I’m more inclined to believe he was talking about masturbation). I can see why people might think video games, but video games don’t seem to be the point of the song… just loneliness. And with loneliness comes… yeah. Oh, I guess lonely people play video games too. Still.