Poem Analysis - Lemmebesomethin

An Ode to Imperfection: Introducing "Lemmebesomethin'"

Shel Silverstein's "Lemmebesomethin'" is a humorous and desperate plea for affection, told through a series of increasingly absurd and diminished comparisons. The poem's tone is initially playful and almost confident, but it quickly descends into a kind of frantic bargaining. There’s a blend of humor and underlying vulnerability as the speaker attempts to negotiate their way into the object of their desire's life, even in the smallest capacity. The overall effect is both comical and poignant.

Desperation in Small Packages: Exploring the Theme of Love and Acceptance

The central theme of "Lemmebesomethin'" is undoubtedly love and the lengths to which one might go to achieve some semblance of acceptance. The poem meticulously chronicles the speaker's willingness to compromise, to become something lesser than their initial ideal, simply to avoid being completely rejected. Each stanza offers a new set of alternatives, progressively lowering the bar for what the speaker is willing to be, showcasing the fear of loneliness and the desire for connection. This theme is conveyed through the consistent repetition of the conditional "if I can't be your…" followed by a more modest proposition, illustrating the diminishing hope and growing desperation.

The Longing to Belong: The Theme of Identity and Self-Worth

Closely related to the theme of love is the underlying theme of identity and self-worth. The speaker seems to define their own value solely in relation to another person. By offering themselves in a multitude of roles, from "hotdog" to "tail gunner," the speaker demonstrates a willingness to mold their identity to fit the perceived needs or desires of the other person. This highlights a potential lack of inherent self-esteem and a dependency on external validation for a sense of purpose or being. The speaker's repeated question and desire to “lemme be somethin’”, showcases how the speaker doesn’t care what they are, they just want to matter to someone.

Diminishing Dreams: Symbolism Through Comical Comparisons

The poem is rich with symbolic comparisons, each contributing to the overall message of diminishing expectations. The initial comparisons, like "hotdog" and "little weiner," are humorous but relatively straightforward. However, as the poem progresses, the comparisons become increasingly absurd and even demeaning, such as "Abercrombie bitch" to "five and tener," or "boom-a-dee boom" to "clickity clacker." These comparisons are not meant to be taken literally but rather as symbolic representations of the speaker's dwindling sense of self-worth and their willingness to accept any role, no matter how insignificant or comical, to maintain a connection. One might interpret the eventual descent to "hit-and-runner" as a symbolic representation of the speaker’s own self-destructive tendencies.

A Final Plea: The Significance of "Lemmebesomethin'"

In conclusion, "Lemmebesomethin'" is a deceptively simple poem that explores complex themes of love, acceptance, and self-worth through humorous and increasingly desperate comparisons. Silverstein's clever use of imagery and repetition creates a portrait of a speaker willing to sacrifice their own identity in pursuit of affection. The poem’s significance lies in its ability to make us laugh while simultaneously prompting us to consider the lengths to which we might go to avoid being alone and to question where we draw the line between compromise and self-degradation.