Trying to Do Something to Get Your Attention

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a songwriter directly addressing their muse, playfully suggesting ways to acknowledge their inspiration. It's an open, almost meta-commentary on the act of writing a love song. The core desire is clear: "I'm tryin' to do something to get your attention." A central tension emerges from the speaker's earnest desire for recognition and the inherent difficulty of crafting a genuine love song. The repeated line, "as much of a lift / As love songs are / They sure are hard to write," highlights this struggle. The speaker is not just writing *a* song, but *this specific song* as a direct, almost desperate, plea for the muse's notice, making the creative act itself a form of pursuit. The lyrical craft shines in its self-referential nature and escalating attempts to involve the muse. The speaker muses about giving "royalties," putting "your name in the lyrics," or even "your picture on the front." This playful, almost transactional approach to inspiration is undercut by the raw admission of trying "to get your attention," revealing a vulnerability beneath the artistic bravado. The inclusion of "Breathing Solo" and "Muttering" also grounds the piece in a live, unpolished performance, emphasizing the immediate, unedited nature of the plea. What makes these lyrics resonate is their blend of meta-commentary and raw emotional honesty. The speaker's philosophical asides about "style is based on limitations" and "music's based on repetition" offer a sophisticated, self-aware layer, preventing the song from becoming a simple, one-note declaration. Yet, the final, poignant twist—imagining the muse singing "You're very own song" to "somebody else that you love"—delivers a bittersweet punch, suggesting a resigned acceptance that the inspiration might outlive the direct connection, making the act of creation its own reward, even if the attention sought is ultimately elusive.