The Front Bottoms are known for their introspective and relatable lyrics, and "Work on the Kitchen Table" is no exception. This song, off of their 2011 self-titled album, tells a story of struggling to make ends meet while trying to pursue a creative passion. The kitchen table serves as a symbol for the balancing act between work and art, and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the daily struggle.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms
The song opens with the line, "I have a job and I'm constantly traveling," immediately setting the scene of a busy and hectic life. The band's lead singer, Brian Sella, has said that this song was inspired by his own experiences of working multiple jobs while trying to make music. The lyrics reflect the frustration and exhaustion of trying to juggle a career with a passion.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - Songfacts
As the song continues, the lyrics delve into the internal struggle of feeling like a failure in both work and art. Lines like, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man" and "I'm not a musician, I'm a musician's friend" highlight the pressure to succeed in both aspects of life. The Genius page for this song also points out the clever wordplay on the phrase "working on the kitchen table," which can be interpreted as both a literal and figurative statement.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - Genius
The chorus of the song brings in a sense of longing for a simpler life, with the lyrics, "I want to go back to the old days, the ones where we were happy." This sentiment is relatable to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed and nostalgic for a time when things seemed easier. The lyrics also touch on the importance of staying true to one's passions, with the line, "I'm always gonna work on the kitchen table, because it's where I am the most able."Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - AZLyrics
The second verse of the song adds a layer of vulnerability, with the lyrics, "I'm not as tough as I thought, I'm not as tough as I thought I was." This speaks to the insecurities and doubts that can plague someone trying to balance work and creativity. The MetroLyrics page for this song also notes the repetition of the phrase "I'm always gonna work on the kitchen table" throughout the song, emphasizing the central theme and struggle.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - MetroLyrics
The bridge of the song brings in a sense of hope and determination, with Sella singing, "I'm gonna keep on working, working on the kitchen table." This shows a determination to keep pushing through the struggle and not giving up on one's dreams. The Musixmatch page for this song also highlights the line, "I'm gonna make it with my own hands," as a powerful declaration of self-sufficiency and determination.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - Musixmatch
The final verse of the song brings in a sense of acceptance and understanding, with the lyrics, "I'm always gonna work on the kitchen table, even though it's not the best." This line acknowledges that the struggle may not be ideal, but it's a necessary part of the journey. The SongMeanings page for this song also notes the contrast between the upbeat and catchy melody and the more introspective and relatable lyrics.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - SongMeanings
Despite the heavy subject matter, "Work on the Kitchen Table" is a catchy and melodic song, showcasing The Front Bottoms' signature indie-pop sound. The Last.fm page for this song also highlights the use of acoustic guitar and tambourine in the instrumentation, adding to the song's raw and stripped-down feel.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - Last.fm
The song ends with the repeated chorus, solidifying the central message that no matter how hard the struggle may be, the kitchen table will always be a constant and reliable space for creativity and self-expression. The Songteksten page for this song also notes the vulnerability and raw emotion in Sella's vocals, making the lyrics even more impactful.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - Songteksten
In conclusion, "Work on the Kitchen Table" is a poignant and relatable song that captures the struggle of balancing work and passion. The Front Bottoms' lyrics and melodies come together to create a powerful and thought-provoking piece of art that resonates with listeners. Whether you're a struggling artist or just trying to find balance in life, this song is sure to strike a chord.Work on the Kitchen Table Lyrics by The Front Bottoms - Songtexte