They Might Be Giants – Dr Worm

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  Song Meaning:It first appeared on the primarily live album Severe Tire Damage, being one of only three studio-recorded songs on the album. It was also released as a single and featured in a music video directed by band member John Flansburgh.
  The lyrics describe a new drummer learning to play his instrument better. He invents a stage name for himself ("Doctor Worm"), and the song's narrator also describes his friend, a bassist known as "Rabbi Vole".

  Flag johnOHon April 30, 2013   Link

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  General Comment:To me this song is about someone who just wants to be noticed for who they are, he introduces himself as a doctor but then retracts that statement by contradicting it, he must be driving a point with this. doctor being a label we as a society give to something which is like a summation doctors must have medical knowledge right? 'hey doc i have this lump on my balls' 'uh im a pediatrician' , a worm being a simple creature by nature. he just wants to be recognized for who he is, just like the worm.

  Flag mytakeonon February 24, 2013   Link

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  My Interpretation:I've always seen this as an amateur drummer who has grand aspirations to become a professional. He's adopted the name Doctor Worm because he has a rather dank, secluded existance and he's either talking to a friend or his girlfriend and showing off what he's learnt so far.

  Flag Macdooon November 24, 2012   Link

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  General Comment:this song is clearly touching on the subtleties between chain stores and boutiques

  Flag Psychedelephanton June 28, 2012   Link

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  General Comment:Anyways it doesn't matter what it means, the bass solo is fucking so much fun to play

  Flag thendon June 18, 2011   Link

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  Song Meaning:If this song does have a meaning, I think it is about trying to be noticed by others.

  Flag thendon June 18, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:I agree with whoever said this song is to be taken literally. It IS about a worm who plays the drums, and I think TMBG was trying to prevent people from taking meanings from it that arent there. "I am a real worm, I am an actual worm, I live like a worm" that sounds like someone trying to drive home a point to me.
  It always seemed like Dr Worm is trying to impress a girl. "I can't tell if you are watching me twirling the stick". He also has some self esteem issues probably. he THINKS he is getting better, and he expects to be critiscized. I also think people are reading into the "I can't hear the doorbell" line too much. I don't think that is alluding to the fact that worms can't see, i think he just can't hear the doorbell over his awesome drumming. although if you WANT to look into the hearing impairment thing, Voles can't see, and he is friends with a vole. but again, reading into it too much. Sure Worms can't hear, but they also can't see, or play the drums... or talk.

  Flag BobbyBSeeon May 28, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:You know what i think i think its just a fun song about a worm who wants to play drums, i can see the muscian trying to get fomous angle but hnestly, you guys are reading waaaaaaaaaay too much into this

  Flag blahblahwhocareson March 20, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:So terribly fun live =D

  Flag TemporaryLifeon January 27, 2010   Link

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  General Comment:This song to me means that singer is (and this might not be a real word) a wormy person and calls himslef "Doctor Worm". His only hobbies are the drums and things. During the song he is constantly trying to get people to call him by his stage name because he wants to get famous as a drummer (Which he explains how intrested he is in the instrument).

  Flag Shuda7on May 23, 2009   Link

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