The song "The Window-Cleaner's Mate" by Gilbert O'Sullivan tells a humorous story about a person who works as a window cleaner and encounters various frustrating situations in their daily life. The lyrics highlight the importance of being polite and considerate to others. The song starts with a warning not to say what you're thinking if you don't want to get slapped, emphasizing the need for tact and politeness. The protagonist is advised to compliment their spouse and avoid doing anything that might upset them. This sets the tone for the song's theme of frustration and annoyance. The protagonist expresses their tiredness of hearing rude remarks about their hair, emphasizing that everyone has their own flaws. They sarcastically suggest that if someone wants them to cut their long hair, they should also cut their own nose. This highlights the absurdity and unfairness of making judgemental comments about others. The lyrics also touch upon the difficulties of the window cleaner's job, suggesting that catching trains is easier than their work. They humorously advise sticking to catching butterflies instead, as it is a safer and less challenging endeavor. The protagonist admits to being hard of hearing and requires repeated requests for clarification, indicating their increasing frustration. They express the need for a nod or confirmation before they can comfortably sit down, signifying the lack of control they feel in their own life. The chorus of the song warns against speaking your thoughts unless you want to be put inside, suggesting that speaking without filter or consideration can lead to unwanted consequences. It also mentions the irony of meeting someone who looks great when they were assumed to be dead, highlighting the surprise and confusion this can cause. The protagonist asserts that despite their frustrations, they are not consistently angry or upset. They acknowledge that unusual situations can happen from time to time, such as falling asleep with chewing gum and waking up with it stuck all over them. Overall, "The Window-Cleaner's Mate" portrays the daily frustrations and absurdities of life through a humorous lens. It emphasizes the importance of being polite, considerate, and kind to others while navigating through challenging and unpredictable situations.
