The lyrics express that there are certain things that evoke negative emotions like anger and sadness, but the person being addressed is not one of them. However, the person also seems to encompass all the qualities of being a dad, which is not necessarily a positive association in this context.

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Meaning of "Things" by Barenaked Ladies


The lyrics of "Things" by Barenaked Ladies seem to explore the dichotomy between different aspects of someone's identity or behavior. The repetition of "there are things" followed by contrasting emotions like anger, sadness, and fatherhood suggests a complex relationship where the subject in question is simultaneously a source of joy and frustration. The statement "You seem to be all of them" hints at the complexity and multi-dimensional nature of this person, who can evoke contradictory emotions at the same time. This could reflect the reality of human relationships, where individuals can elicit a range of feelings depending on the context and perspective. The song captures the complexity and nuance of human emotions and relationships in a simple yet impactful way.