A (Completely Unnecessary) Analysis of the Song "Doctor Worm" by They Might Be Giants
Things we know about Doctor Worm:
Cordial
Friendly
Engaging
Not a real Doctor
- Strange
- Unusual
- Scandalous?
An ACTUAL Worm?
- How does a worm speak?
- How does a worm think?
- Maybe because he's a worm, others around him don't acknowledge his legitimacy as a Doctor?
Interested in things?
- Once again, vague, mysterious
- Still interested, though
- What's he interested in?
1. You understanding he's an actual worm.
a. Nefarious?
b. An untruth?
c. Others have bullied him for looking different than other worms?
2. Playing the drums & Getting validation
a. I think we're getting somewhere here
b. He does a lot of things he's interested in, but no one recognizes him.
Here's a possible conclusion:
"Doctor" Worm (last name or first name or simply species? Should I introduce myself as Doctor Human?) grew up interested in a lot of things, but everyone told him he wasn't good enough. Like many do when they grow up in that scenario, he rose to the occasion, ascribing to the highest form of education there is, Medical School. He doesn't complete that degree, but attains a higher level of education in another field, gaining the title of "Doctor" anyways. Now he introduces himself to the listener as Doctor Worm, clarifying that he's not a real Doctor. Along the way, he's picked up the drums as a hobby, but really wants to know if he's doing well, still holding on to that need for validation.