The Meaning Behind The Song: Peter The Meter Reader by Meri Wilson

Introduction

As a fan of catchy and humorous songs, one song that has always stood out to me is “Peter The Meter Reader” by Meri Wilson. The cheeky lyrics and upbeat melody make it an entertaining and memorable tune. However, the meaning behind this song may not be immediately apparent to listeners. In this article, I will delve into the story behind this delightful song and its relevance in my own life.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

“Here we go again, I was lying on my back porch just a-getting some sun, had my hair done up in pigtails, had my swimming suit on”

The opening lines paint a vivid picture of a carefree summer day, with the protagonist basking in the sun’s warmth. The playful tone is set right from the start.

“I was just about asleep when there came a shadow over me, I opened up my eyes to peek and what did I see-ee”

Suddenly, the tranquility is interrupted by the appearance of an intriguing character. The use of repetition in “see-ee” adds to the lightheartedness of the song.

“There was a man, what a man, looking down on me, tall dark and handsome, six foot three”

Here we are introduced to Peter, the meter reader, who immediately captures the attention of the singer. The description “tall, dark, and handsome” adds a touch of romance to the song.

“There was a look in his eyes that was telling me, he knew that there was something that he wanted to see”

The lyrics suggest that Peter’s eyes hold a hidden message, hinting at a potential romantic interest between him and the singer.

“He said ‘Hi my name is Peter, and I’m here to read your meter, I’d like to see your kilowatts, could you take me to your box'”

As Peter introduces himself, the true meaning behind his visit becomes clear – he is a meter reader. Although it initially seems mundane, the humorous wordplay on “box” and “kilowatts” adds a playful twist.

“But I said to Peter won’t you follow me, we went upstairs, downstairs, inside and out”

The singer agrees to show Peter where the meter is located, leading him on a journey throughout the house. The repetition of “upstairs, downstairs, inside and out” emphasizes the comedic nature of the situation.

“By the time he found my meter, it was a quarter past four, and he said to watch my heater as he was walking through my door”

After the search for the meter, Peter reminds the singer to be cautious with her heater. This line suggests a growing connection between the two characters as he enters her personal space.

“Every single kilowatt was a-looking just fine, and he’d be coming back to see them in another month’s ti-i-ime”

As Peter inspects the meter, everything appears to be in order. The mention of him returning in another month hints at the continuation of their encounters.

“So now I’m waiting, yes I’m waiting so patiently, to have my sweet sweet Peter read my meter for me”

The singer expresses her longing for Peter’s return, eagerly anticipating their next encounter. The repetition of “sweet sweet Peter” emphasizes her fondness for him.

“Maybe I should tell you, so you’ll understand, that Peter used to be my telephone man, singing hey-lolly-lolly, hey-lolly-lolly, hey-lolly-lolly, get it any way you can”

As the song concludes, an unexpected revelation is made – Peter used to be the singer’s telephone man. This adds a layer of nostalgia and hints at a deeper connection between the two.

“I’ve never done anything like this before… well…”

The final line leaves the listener pondering about the singer’s past experiences and what may lie ahead for her and Peter.

Personal Connection

Listening to “Peter The Meter Reader” always brings a smile to my face and evokes memories of my own encounters with charming individuals in unexpected places. It reminds me of those random moments when someone unexpectedly brightens your day and leaves a lasting impression.

This song also reflects the beauty of finding joy in the simplest of things. The singer’s excitement about a meter reader visiting her home may seem trivial, but it highlights the power of human connection and finding delight in everyday situations.

Furthermore, the playful and flirtatious nature of the song reminds me that life is too short to not seize these moments of fun and spontaneity. It serves as a reminder to embrace new experiences and discover happiness in unexpected encounters.

Closing Thoughts

“Peter The Meter Reader” by Meri Wilson is more than just a catchy tune. It is a playful and amusing exploration of unexpected connections and the small joys in life. As listeners, we can appreciate the witty wordplay and humorous storytelling, while also relating it to our own experiences of delighting in the simple pleasures.

So the next time you find yourself in an ordinary situation, remember the charm of Peter, the meter reader, and the joy that can come from such encounters. Allow this song to bring a smile to your face and celebrate the unexpected connections that make life more colorful.