What Do You Call a Man Like That?

Song Meaning

The lyrics grapple with the unclassifiable nature of a specific man, posing him as an anomaly beyond simple definition. The narrator struggles to categorize him, suggesting he’s an anachronism, a figure “from days gone by,” a “wind blown from the past.” This evokes a sense of timelessness or perhaps a disconnect from the present, making him feel almost mythical or out of a fairy tale. The immediate emotional tone is one of bewildered admiration, tinged with a touch of the surreal. The central tension lies in the narrator’s attempt to reconcile contradictory qualities within this man. He is simultaneously “ridiculous” and “earnest,” “so strong,” yet his hands are described as “tense and so easy,” “controlled but unpredictable.” This internal paradox is further amplified by his eyes, a “tornado” that is both “shining bright” and “finding light,” suggesting a powerful, perhaps overwhelming, inner world that is both chaotic and illuminating. The most striking aspect of the craft is the persistent questioning and the use of negation to define him. The narrator asks “What do you call a man like that?” repeatedly, but the answer remains elusive. He’s defined by what he’s *not* or by qualities that defy easy labels. The final lines, “Wanting something / Knowing something / Seeing something / Something holy— / Something newly born / Without a name,” encapsulate this perfectly. He embodies a profound, almost spiritual essence that transcends conventional understanding or nomenclature. This lyrical approach is effective because it mirrors the narrator’s own fascination and confusion. By framing the man as an enigma, the lyrics invite the listener to ponder his nature alongside the narrator. The inability to name him elevates him beyond the ordinary, making his presence feel significant and deeply felt, even if his exact characteristics remain just beyond grasp.