Kiss Me, Son of Blog

Kiss Me, Son of Blog

I Should Be Allowed To Think: How one TMBG lyric nailed what it felt like growing up gaslit.

I broke down a TMBG song about performative rebellion and accidentally used it to unpack my childhood with a BPD parent.

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Chase Roper
Jul 12, 2025
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The back cover of John Henry by They Might Be Giants, featuring a close-up photo of the band members looking downward with pensive expressions.
The back cover of John Henry, where “I Should Be Allowed to Think” sits tucked between some absolute bangers and personal landmines.

Standing in the doorway of my parents’ bedroom, my feet are beginning to tingle. I’m reminding myself of a trick I learned in elementary school choir: don’t lock your knees or you’ll pass out. Or fall over. I can’t remember…

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