Meaning of "Funnyman" by KT Tunstall

The lyrics of "Funnyman" delve into the complexities of a person who presents themselves as funny and light-hearted but hides their inner struggles and pain. The song suggests that this person is constantly fighting with their own thoughts and emotions, as indicated by the line "Locked inside your head." Their words come out incoherent and nonsensical, portraying the disconnect between their internal battles and external facade.

The song emphasizes the limited understanding that others have of this person's true struggles. The line "We can sit here and laugh, but we don't know the half of it, in your defense" highlights the fact that the audience may find humor in their words without comprehending the deeper meaning or the pain behind them.

The chorus uses the term "Funnyman" metaphorically to describe this person. It suggests that they have crafted a persona of being funny and entertaining, but it is just a mask to hide their inner turmoil. The line "Funnyman, gotta plan to be something wonderful" hints at their desire for greatness, but their internal struggles hinder them from achieving it.

The lyrics also touch upon a moment when the narrator tries to save this person from their demons. It mentions a night where the narrator acts as their guardian angel, attempting to protect them. However, despite their efforts, the person is still affected by their inner demons, as depicted by the line "Part of you was taken by your demons below." This illustrates the complexity and depth of the person's struggles, showing that even the narrator's intervention cannot completely save them.

Overall, "Funnyman" explores the dichotomy between façade and reality, shedding light on the internal battles people fight while presenting a seemingly happy exterior. It addresses the challenges of understanding and helping someone who hides their pain, acknowledging that they cannot be anything other than who they are.