"Little Matchstick Owen" is a song by the British band Happy Mondays from their album "Bummed." The lyrics paint a picture of someone who indulges in vices like smoking, drinking, and engaging in promiscuous activities. The repetitive phrase "The harder you get, the more that you like it" suggests that this person becomes more addicted to these habits as they continue. The lines "Me no taxi, me no radio car" indicate a sense of rebellion or non-conformity. The protagonist does not want to follow the usual path of societal norms and expectations. They choose not to be a part of the system and reject the conventional ways of living represented by being a taxi or radio car. The lyrics also mention someone's father being disgusted with them, and their brother getting into trouble. This could imply that the protagonist's actions have caused strain within their family and have led to negative consequences. The overall theme of the song seems to be about a rebellious and hedonistic lifestyle. The lyrics suggest that the more extreme the behavior becomes, the more the person enjoys it. However, the repetitive phrases and mentions of disapproval from family members might also hint at a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction beneath the surface. The line "Did it ever get boring, it soothes you" suggests that while these activities may bring temporary pleasure or relief, they do not ultimately provide long-term fulfillment. The song ends with the lines "So you can go to the back of the queue. Oh, and we're just too nice to get into that queue." This could be interpreted as the protagonist rejecting societal expectations and norms, preferring to go against the traditional order of things. It implies a sense of superiority or detachment from mainstream society. Overall, "Little Matchstick Owen" depicts a character caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior and rebellion, with hints of dissatisfaction and disconnection from the norm.
