Song meaning of A Word for That by Barenaked Ladies

The lyrics of the song "A Word for That" by Barenaked Ladies convey a playful and humorous exploration of the frustration and curiosity that arises when we can't find the right words to describe certain things. The song focuses on specific body parts that don't have commonly known names - the space between the upper lip and nose (philtrum), the dangling thing in the mouth (uvula), and the fleshy punching bag under the tongue (frenulum).

Through witty wordplay and repetition, the song emphasizes the desire to sound knowledgeable and smart by knowing the correct vocabulary. However, it also highlights the absurdity of this desire by pointing out that many people do not know these specific terms. It suggests that it is okay not to know everything and that curiosity and the quest for knowledge should be celebrated rather than being embarrassed by not having all the answers.

Overall, the song's lighthearted tone encourages listeners to embrace their curiosity, have fun with language, and not take themselves too seriously. It reminds us that sometimes the joy lies in the journey of discovering new words and knowledge, rather than the destination of knowing it all.