Don't Wanna Know
Bo Burnham Lyrics
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Do you like the show?
Are you tired of it?
Never mind, I don't wanna know
Are you finding it boring?
Too fast? Too slow?
I'm asking, but don't answer
'Cause I don't wanna know
Do I have your attention?
Yes, or no?
I bet I'd guess the answer
But I don't wanna know
Am I on in the background?
Are you on your phone?
I'd ask you what you're watching
But I don't wanna know
Is there anyone out there?
Or am I all alone?
It wouldn't make a difference
Still, I don't wanna know
I thought it'd be over by now
But I got a while to go
I'd give away the ending
But you don't wanna know
Bo Burnham's "Don't Wanna Know" is a satire of the uncomfortable and often awkward dynamic between performers and their audiences. The lyrics address the performer's desire to connect with their audience, but also their reluctance to know their audience's true reaction to their work.
Throughout the song, Burnham poses a series of questions to the listener ("How are you feeling? Do you like the show? Are you finding it boring? Too fast? Too slow?"). However, he quickly clarifies that he doesn't actually want the listener to answer, as the truth might be too painful or unflattering.
The chorus of the song further emphasizes Burnham's detachment from his audience. He half-heartedly asks if he has their attention and whether or not they are engaged with his performance. Despite this, he quickly reaffirms his lack of interest in their response, solidifying the disconnect between performer and audience.
Overall, "Don't Wanna Know" is a commentary on the often-unspoken tension between performers and their audiences, with Burnham brilliantly capturing the awkwardness, discomfort, and alienation that can exist in these relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
How are you feeling?
Asking if the listener is enjoying the show and if they want to participate.
Do you like the show?
Inquiring if the listener is enjoying the performance.
Are you tired of it?
Asking if the listener is bored or uninterested in the show.
Never mind, I don't wanna know
Deciding not to pursue the answer to any of the preceding questions.
Are you finding it boring?
Asking if the listener is enjoying the show, but in a negative way.
Too fast? Too slow?
Asking if the pace of the show is appropriate.
I'm asking, but don't answer
Asking questions but not actually seeking an answer from the listener.
'Cause I don't wanna know
Clarifying that the questions are rhetorical.
Do I have your attention?
Asking if the listener is actually paying attention to the performance.
Yes, or no?
Offering a reduced set of responses to the previous question.
I bet I'd guess the answer
Confidently speculating the listener's response to the attention related question.
But I don't wanna know
Once again acknowledging that the questions are rhetorical.
Am I on in the background?
Asking if the listener has the performance on while doing something else.
Are you on your phone?
Asking if the listener is using their phone while the performance is going on.
I'd ask you what you're watching
Expressing curiosity about the listener's experience.
But I don't wanna know
Acknowledging again that the questions are rhetorical.
Is there anyone out there?
Asking if there are any listeners present.
Or am I all alone?
Presenting the possibility that the performer is performing for no audience at all.
It wouldn't make a difference
Stating that the performance would not differ if there were actually no audience.
Still, I don't wanna know
Continuing to state that the questions are rhetorical despite this possibility.
I thought it'd be over by now
Admitting that there was an expectation that the performance would have ended sooner.
But I got a while to go
Accepting that the show will continue for a while despite the previous expectation.
I'd give away the ending
Teasing the idea that the performer knows the ending of the show but is not sharing it with the audience.
But you don't wanna know
Acknowledging that the rhetorical questions extend to the audience's curiosity about the ending of the performance.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Bo Burnham
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind