Probably
Fool's Garden
Embracing Individuality in a Conformist World
Fool's Garden's song "Probably" is a celebration of individuality and nonconformity in a world that often pressures people to fit into predefined molds. The lyrics introduce us to a variety of characters, each with their unique quirks and lifestyles. Dan drinks coffee, Mary drinks tea, and Betty is at a plastic surgery clinic, indifferent to societal judgments about her appearance. This diversity in personal choices highlights the song's central theme: people should live their lives according to their own preferences, regardless of societal expectations.
The song further explores this theme through characters like Tom, a vegetarian whose father disapproves of his lifestyle, and Anne and Fred, who face societal disapproval for their sexual orientations. These stories emphasize the struggles individuals face when their choices deviate from the norm. The repeated refrain, "You don't know what they will say, you probably do it your own way," serves as a reminder that societal opinions are unpredictable and often irrelevant. The song encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and live authentically.
In the final verses, the song paints a picture of a gypsy girl playing music with a diverse group of people, including Indians and Jews, while Penny sings along despite wearing different shoes. This imagery symbolizes unity in diversity and the beauty of embracing differences. The song's message is clear: individuality should be celebrated, and societal judgments should not dictate how one lives their life. Fool's Garden uses these vivid character sketches to advocate for a world where everyone is free to be themselves without fear of judgment or ostracism.