Song meaning of Small Was Fast by Pere Ubu

The lyrics of "Small Was Fast" by Pere Ubu may seem abstract and nonsensical on the surface, but they convey a deeper message about longing, anticipation, and the passing of time.

The repetition of "I waited for you" throughout the song suggests a sense of longing and anticipation. The artist expresses a feeling of waiting for someone or something, emphasizing the passage of time and the deep desire for a specific outcome. This repetition emphasizes the feeling of waiting indefinitely, perhaps highlighting the inherent uncertainty and frustration that can come with anticipation.

The lines "Notice the house, Notice the landscape" indicate a moment of observation, where the artist takes notice of their surroundings. The phrase "Hot. The day was hot" creates a sensory experience, invoking feelings of sweltering heat and discomfort. This vivid imagery adds to the overall atmosphere of the song.

The line "The sun went down, The air closed in, I got sleepy" indicates a shift from anticipation to exhaustion. This may suggest that the waiting has taken a toll on the artist, both physically and emotionally. The phrase "I got sleepy" may symbolize a sense of resignation or acceptance of the circumstances.

Overall, the lyrics of "Small Was Fast" can be interpreted as a meditation on the passage of time, the emotional toll of waiting, and the longing for something that may never come. It captures the frustration, anticipation, and weariness that can come from waiting for an unknown outcome.