Quoth Chris Cieslak <ccieslak@uiuc.edu>:

I see this song as very autobiographical. To the uninitiated, the pre-JH TMBG look like half a band- a guitar player and keyboardist, missing the bassist and drummer the record companies want to see in order to sign Them.

Another nifty Giantism is the Pros/Prose pun in the first verse. Are they saying poetry is only for professionals (like the academics?) or that poetry is a poor cousin to prose, that "Prose Only" is acceptable? Or both? Or neither?

"ifyoudigabankwithachicksingersayyourcupofteaisawalloftrombonessoifyoudigmenudoorMDCwesaluteyouthewayweknow" says that there is room for all kinds of musical tastes, not just what the record companies spoon-feed you.

"Do you sing like Olive Oyl on purpose" is probably a reference to Flansburgh's rather whiny voice on a few songs (such as "Puppet Head".)

"You guys must be into the Eurythmics" is probably a reference to Linnell's synthesizer and drum machine, which eere seen as kind of early-eighties euro-dance instruments at the time.

"For every one with dollar signs in his eyes, there must be hundreds who look at you as if you're some kind of Rhythm Section Want Ad" refers to the fact that for the one record company exec who sees potential (read: lots of $$$) in TMBG, there are many who see half a band.

"No others need apply" means that TMBG is not going to back down-- no other band members needed, thank you. (about 10 years later, they changed their mind... :) ) The "speak softly and drive a Sherman tank" also refers to this resolve to work their way around the record company weasels.

Giantisms:

• Poetry is across from pros/prose.
• "Speak softly and carry a big stick" is changed to "Speak softly, drive a sherman tank."
• Dunce caps can be used as megaphones.