Meaning of "Let's Get This Over With" by They Might Be Giants

The lyrics of "Let's Get This Over With" explore themes of monotony, routine, and the feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle. The repeated mention of the drumbeat and its increasing volume symbolizes the relentlessness of life's repetitive patterns. The line "And you know there is no parking on the dance floor" might allude to the concept that there is no chance for escape or enjoyment in this monotonous existence.

The song highlights the idea that even when someone is unemployed, they still have a job to do, implying that everyone has obligations and responsibilities in life, regardless of their employment status. The line "Your job knows what it is, what it is is it's coming to get you" suggests that these responsibilities will eventually catch up with individuals, emphasizing the inescapability of life's demands.

The verse about waking up, feeling hair grow, and watching a shadow creep across the ground represents the passage of time and the repetitiveness of daily life. It reflects the mundane nature of existence, where every day is a repetition of the previous one.

The lyrics also touch on the frustration of feeling stuck and longing for a resolution. The lines "After all the spelling mistakes, after all the groping in the dark, can this page of strange gibberish get a final punctuation mark?" indicate a desire for closure or understanding in a confusing and chaotic world.

The final section of the song speaks to the urge to move on and find resolution. It encourages acceptance of life's repetitive patterns and urges people to "get over it" and "get this over with." The repeated line "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here" suggests the need to move forward and let go of the past.

In essence, the lyrics of "Let's Get This Over With" convey a sense of frustration and longing for resolution in the repetitive and predictable nature of life. It urges listeners to accept and move on from the monotony, acknowledging that although you can't change it, you can choose your attitude towards it.