Novice Philosopher - Behind the Song
He’ll say what they “need to hear” and sort out their problems. No need for experience; the novice philosopher.
In my late teens-early twenties I can recall having some firm philosophies about life, the universe and everything. Nothing harmful, but these days I would definitely say they were ill-informed. This song is meant to be a playful dig at that younger me who thought he knew so much more about things he really knew nothing about.
Lyrics
He’ll say what they “need to hear” and sort out their problems
No need for experience
The novice philosopher
It’s easy to be an expert
To make a judgement when he hasn’t a clue what it feels like in the moment
But that won’t stop him
He has theory and opinion and correctness telling him what to do
Never mind if he’s never suffered their pain
What the hell makes you think you should be a part of this discussion? Quit it!
He’ll say…
It’s so easy to be perfect and self-righteous when it isn’t his life in the spotlight
No sign of insight in his conviction
And what meaning has him believing that he is helping from his little cocoon?
Giving counsel, his world too narrow to know
What the hell…
But I’m being harsh, his heart’s in the right place, he wants to enlighten
And I know it’s hard but best of intentions aren’t always enough
He’ll say…