Interpretation
The song lyrics "Birthday Girl Feat. Patrick Stump" by
The Roots is about a meeting with a girl on her birthday. In the song, they sing about how the girl is now old enough to do things she couldn't do before.
In the chorus, Patrick Stump sings:
"What is it we wanna doooo..
Now that I'm allowed to be alone with you?
Bir-thday girl, it's your birthday
Wherever you wanna go
Now you're old enough to go and see the "R"-rated show, now
"R"-rated show"
He asks what they want to do now that they're allowed to be alone. The girl is having a birthday and is now old enough to see an "R"-rated show.
In the first verse, Black Thought raps about a girl named Janine who pretends to be a magazine editor. She has striking eyes and claims to be 22 years old, even though she's only 17. She has something to hide and has snuck in secretly. The girl has impressed everyone, similar to a car that leaves everyone in awe. She claims to be there live because of The Roots and Fall-Out.
In the second verse, Black Thought raps about women who are attractive but not willing to communicate with him on an intellectual level. He prefers women whose thoughts are clearer. He is attracted to women who are better shaped. He lets the girl in because the connection between them is strong. However, he regrets it and feels like a dirty pedagogue. He is compared to internet predators and therapists.
In the last verse, Black Thought raps about the girl trying to get his attention by mentioning his favorite food. People think she's his girlfriend, but she's not as old as she claims. He feels watched by her when he's not paying attention. It's her birthday and he asks her to make a wish.
Then, Patrick Stump sings that people can't look away from the girl and try to make her stay. She has fake IDs to avoid being rejected. She looks beautiful that night. Now she's old enough to buy a gun, but there are so many better ways to have fun.
Overall, the song lyrics are about a meeting with a girl on her birthday and the thoughts and feelings that come with it.