Leftovers

Jarvis Cocker's song "Leftovers" is a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and the passage of time. The song opens with a unique setting—a museum of paleontology—where the protagonist meets a woman. This setting serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's own feelings of being a relic or a leftover from another era. The reference to studying dinosaurs and the line "I know a specimen whose interest is undoubted" cleverly juxtaposes the ancient with the contemporary, highlighting the protagonist's sense of obsolescence and urgency to connect before becoming 'extinct.'

The lyrics delve into the protagonist's physical and emotional frailty, encapsulated in the line "Trapped in a body that is failing me." This vulnerability is further emphasized by his repeated plea, "I wanna be your lover," which he states multiple times throughout the song. The repetition underscores his desperation and earnestness, as if saying it enough times will make it true. The song also touches on themes of guilt and self-loathing, as the protagonist seeks redemption and validation through love, likening himself to a vampire who faints at the sight of blood—a creature that is both predatory and pitiable.

Cocker's lyrics also critique superficial relationships and societal norms. The lines "He says that he loves you like a sister / Well I guess, I guess that's relative" and "He says that he wants to make love to you / Well instead of 'to', shouldn't that be 'with'?" challenge the sincerity and depth of modern romantic expressions. The protagonist's offer of "leftovers"—surplus love and affection—further emphasizes his self-deprecating view, yet it also reveals a genuine desire for intimacy and connection. The song concludes with a sense of resigned determination, as the protagonist continues to assert his wish to be a lover, despite acknowledging his own shortcomings.