Meaning of "Hearing Aid" by They Might Be Giants

"Hearing Aid" by They Might Be Giants explores themes of apathy, indifference, and self-awareness. The narrator sings about their frosty supervisor, highlighting their lack of empathy or concern for this individual's existence. They admit to occasionally feeling sorry for their supervisor but quickly dismiss these emotions, stating that they usually cannot bring themselves to care. The repetition of the line "I've turned off my hearing aid" suggests that the narrator has intentionally tuned out the world around them, both figuratively and literally. This can be seen as a metaphor for their disinterest in the opinions and expectations of others. They sarcastically refer to themselves as "King Lazybones," highlighting their self-awareness of their apathetic mindset and lack of ambition or motivation. The line "More coffee for me, boss, 'cause I'm not as messed up as I want to be" further emphasizes their indifference, suggesting that they are content with their current state of laziness and lack of ambition. The reference to the electric chair serves as a dark and humorous exaggeration, implying that the narrator's laziness is so extreme that it deserves a severe punishment. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of detachment and resignation to mediocrity.