The Art of Hinting: A Subtle Game of Desire | Polite Request | Barenaked Ladies

The Barenaked Ladies' song "Polite Request" is a humorous and relatable tune that explores the theme of wanting something from someone without directly asking for it. The lyrics describe a situation where the narrator is trying to get what they want, but in a subtle and indirect way.

The song begins by introducing the idea of making a "polite request," which is actually just a nice way of saying "asking nicely" or "hinting." The narrator explains that they're not going to directly ask for what they want, but rather will make a series of suggestions and hints in hopes of getting their desired outcome. This approach is often seen as more polite than a direct request, which can come across as pushy or aggressive.

Throughout the song, the narrator provides examples of how they'll make these polite requests. They might say something like "Oh, by the way, I really love your scarf," when in reality, what they're really trying to do is get you to give them the scarf. The lyrics are full of clever wordplay and witty observations that highlight the absurdity of making indirect requests.

The song also touches on the idea that sometimes people don't realize what we're actually asking for. This can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications, which can be frustrating when trying to get what you want. The narrator acknowledges this by saying "I'll be polite and I won't say no," implying that even if someone says yes, they might not actually mean it.

Overall, "Polite Request" is a lighthearted and humorous song that pokes fun at the way we sometimes try to get what we want without directly asking for it. The lyrics are relatable and cleverly written, making this song a fan favorite among Barenaked Ladies enthusiasts.