What Happened To You, Son? Lyrics – Belle and Sebastian

Son you’re a mystery
All your precious words don’t mean so much to me
You were on the side of us
All your thoughts aligned with my deep poetry

And you would accompany
Every weekend walk up and wish
All the days of chastity
All the nights that teenager prayed

I tried not to criticize
You must go the way you’re at and bring on flight
Maybe you’re a victim to
Maybe this is helping cause we all love you too much
What is it you asked me for?
You convinced me I was hopeless
All your wedding metaphors
All your well worn s*xless posture

Holier than Jesus Christ
They came a long way just to touch your g*n
But you never turn away
Him or her or them or gay or black or brown

So convincing for a while
Mighty was your stack of pages
Every word you ever spoke
Was condemned by government agents

I don’t mind (Mind mind mind)
It’s hard to be kind (Kind kind kind)
Everybody finds a way

Printer was my sympathy
I was so obsessed with doing things my own way
Then one day you realize
I don’t stand for anything I’m fading away
I remember your bad dream
You patrolled with that most confidence
When I finally gave myself
You respond with melting patience

The first paragraph reflects on the speaker’s perception of someone they once knew intimately. Despite the closeness they once shared, the person has become enigmatic, and their words hold little significance for the speaker. The phrase “All your thoughts aligned with my deep poetry” suggests that there was once a harmonious connection between them, but that connection has now faded.

The second paragraph reminisces about shared experiences and the passage of time. The speaker recalls moments spent together, perhaps during their youth, where they walked and wished, navigating the challenges of adolescence and the conflicts of desire and restraint.

In the third paragraph, the speaker grapples with conflicting emotions towards the mysterious individual. While they acknowledge the person’s struggles and the possibility of being a victim, there’s also a sense of frustration and helplessness. Despite their efforts not to criticize, the speaker is torn between concern and a sense of being overwhelmed by their love for the person.

The fourth paragraph delves into the complexities of the individual’s identity and the societal perceptions surrounding them. The references to wedding metaphors and a s*xless posture suggest a disconnect between societal expectations and the person’s true self.

The fifth paragraph confronts the person’s perceived sense of superiority or righteousness, juxtaposed with their inclusivity towards others regardless of race, gender, or s*xuality.

The sixth paragraph reflects on the impact of the person’s words and actions, highlighting their influence and the scrutiny they face from authority figures.

The seventh paragraph reflects on the speaker’s internal struggles, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining kindness and understanding in the face of adversity.

The eighth paragraph reflects on the speaker’s realization of their own shortcomings and the gradual erosion of their convictions.

The final paragraph recalls a moment of vulnerability in the person, where they displayed confidence despite a perceived vulnerability, and how the speaker responded with empathy and patience.