About “King of the World”

Reading Kyoko’s annotations helps me love the song more because I understand exactly why the lyrics are what they are. Initially I was disturbed and confused by the second verse, but this makes it clear. Still makes me sad, but I understand and I think I can better enjoy the song now. Maybe the annotations will also help others make sense of why this happy sounding song would mention some pretty awful stuff.

I felt strange reading this, like I was eavesdropping or intruding on a conversation between me and my wife. I love her words and the way she appreciates my lyrics about my support, especially after being married so long. To see that – her reaction to my song – makes me really happy and glad that we have each other, but it does feel a little voyeuristic or intrusive.

She is okay with this public honesty – that is inspiring to me, really. I mentioned that I have some anxiety issues and you all are some of the few people I’ve admitted that to (I suppose it might be obvious to people who pay close attention). I think her willingness to be a part of this song not only in a distanced way in the lyrics that are about her, but in a really direct way by contributing these notes, is really brave and could help other people like me know we are not alone either.

That said, it IS the internet and there will undoubtedly be articles and stuff talking about the lyrics and her comments - it makes me a little worried, I guess, at the possibility of people being rude. Of course those people don’t matter, but what if someone says mean things about her parents or something? I’m sure she has ways to deal with that sort of thing or to avoid being aware of them, but it did occur to me. You know, I might say my dad was a jerk, but if someone else does it might bother me.