She & Him – Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?

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  General Comment:I agree that she's not being noticed and being totally as a doll (on the shelf), and IMHO, from the video, that's killing her.
  but why is she also as a widow?
  and those friggin pac-man ghosts taking him out as well?

  Flag daisukemanon August 14, 2012   Link

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  General Comment:This song seems to be greatly hinting at adultery lol, the narrator seems to be "the other woman". She's just "sitting on the shelf" waiting, also to be put on the shelf could mean this "doll" is accessible but not #1. She'd also "like [him] for [her] own". I mean it seems like a pretty happy song but I guess this is the bright way of approaching a relationship between two people who cannot be together, even if they might have feelings for each other and have the same interests. If it's not about that, it's about the other party trying to keep the relationship quiet for whatever reason (with a great chance it's because that person is with someone else).

  Flagged xxradianceon April 28, 2011   Link

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  My Interpretation:after seeing the video she appears to be dressed as several forms of dolls or children's toys: baby doll, cow girl, etc and they are all getting murdered lol
  
  I think the song is being sung from the perspective of a child's toy that is no longer used and pleading with the child to come and play and give them life.

  Flag tsb2rxnon February 27, 2011   Link

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  Song Meaning:I disagree with the other commenters. I don't think "I'm just sitting on the shelf" represents her inaction, to me it represents him not noticing her. She's saying she wants him and they've got a lot in common but he takes no notice.

  Flag peacelovemusic717on December 25, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:This is how I picture the song based on the situation I've had ever been into. There is a girl and a guy. The guy is in that popular lot while the girl is cool in her own way. Her quirks charmed him but he was hesitated to bet his reputation. While the girl has realized his feeling for her, she confused what has gotten into him cause he was so genuine when they were talking just together but acting the other way around people - representable on the lines 'It's not a secret. Why do you keep it? I'm just sitting on the shelf'
  My suggestion, just leave him. He's not worthwhile. At least, for the present : P

  Flag TheWalnutTreeon August 31, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:wikipedia says she wrote the song. one assumes that actresses are just performers, but that's a great surprise.

  Flag GrungyBeatleon April 07, 2010   Link

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• +2
  Song Meaning:Why is she "sitting on a shelf"? Is it a metaphor for her acting like a "doll" or a lady and not wanting to make the first move?

  Flag charliesmom4on January 10, 2010   Link

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    Probably so, charliesmom4. Underneath the chipper, inviting tone, the singer is powerless to do anything to advance the relationship. She just has to wait for him because she doesn't believe in making the first move. As much as I'm seduced by the breezy, '60's vibe of this song, it reinforces repressive gender roles for women. When I heard this, I thought, "Get off that shelf, girl! Demand to be noticed!"

    Flag goddesscarolineon February 24, 2010  

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    I thought it was a reference to the saying "on the shelf" as in shes a bit old now and she needs someone or shell be considered a spinster. perhaps not a reference to age but to the amount of time she has been waiting.

    Flag yeahyeahyeah92on March 17, 2010  

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    goddesscaroline => I think you’re right, and definitely understand your reaction (about getting off the shelf). However, I think the reason she doesn’t is because she isn’t she if he doesn’t feel the same way back, which is why she would never make a first move.
    
    “I’ve got to get your presence/Let’s make it known."
    
    This shows that he probably hasn’t been giving her any attention or acknowledgment, which is why she’s hesitant and “stays on the shelf.”
    
    I can absolutely relate to this, not talking to guy because he doesn’t like you the way you like him. I know it might be safer sitting on the shelf, but is it worth it in the end?

    Flag PendulumLockon April 05, 2010  
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  General Comment:it is pretty cute, I like Zooey's voice alot. But anyway, basically she's just kind of chilling waiting for him to approach her and ask her out cuz she thinks they'd hti it off!

  Flag serenity23on November 09, 2009   Link

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  General Comment:Very cute song. I'm loving this group...I think they complement each other.

  Flag shockdelicaon April 20, 2009   Link

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  General Comment:Such a cute song; I love it so much!

  Flag VivaLaNegritaon August 05, 2008   Link

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