EXCUSE ME MR.
(G. Stefani, T. Dumont)
from the album Tragic Kingdom

The rapid fire second punch that gave the audience no chance to breathe after the opening number on most of the Tragic Kingdom shows, this song went from closer to opener in the setlist before comfortably settling into the second spot right after "Tragic Kingdom". Originally the song had been played at the end of the show with Gwen's call and response of "Excuse me... excuse me mister", and "I'm in line too", the band would play as quiet as a whisper until Gwen screamed "FUCK YOU MISTER!!!" where the boys would then fire up again and finish the song (and usually the show) out. It has been said that an original version was recorded that the band disliked, and when the last song for the album was penned (this being "Spiderwebs") the band insisted that they would record it if they were allowed to rerecord "Excuse Me Mr." they way they wanted. Not only did it become the version we all know, but those two songs ended up being the last recorded for Tragic Kingdom, and Gwen has called it the best recording experience the band has had. On a funny note, Tom said often that the lyrics were 'metaphorical' and 'cryptic', once even stating that Gwen's lyrics were written to sound like the song was written about a homeless person. Of course this isn't true. Or is it??? The song had been written for quite a while before it was released, as the band was playing it live in 1993 and even played an acoustic version of it on the radio show Loveline in June 1993.

Oh I'm like a beggar with no luck
I'm holding signs up
On your streetcorner stops
Like most you try not to see me
Stare straight ahead
Ignore the responsibility

Excuse me... excuse me Mr.
Well I've been waiting in line
And I'd like to buy some of your time
I'm very anxious, eager, willing
What's your billing? (anxious eager willing)

So please excuse me Mr.
You've got things all wrong
You make it feel like a crime
So don't confuse me Mr.
I've known you too long
All I need is a little of your time

Oh for most love comes for free
They don't pay the high cost
Of mental custody
I'll pay bail for a guarantee
Make space for me
In the time yet to be

Excuse me... excuse me Mr.
Well I've been waiting in line
And I'd like to buy some of your time
I've been saving up my life,
What's your price? (saving up my life)

So please excuse me Mr.
You've got things all wrong
You make it feel like a crime
So don't confuse me Mr.
I've known you way too long boy
All I need is a little of your time

What should I do
I'm about to crack
And there's a force
That comes over me
It's almost as if
I'm tied to the tracks
I'm waiting for him
To rescue me
The funny thing is
He's not going to come
He's not going to find me
This is a matter of fact
The desire you lack
This is the way I guess it has to be...
A little of your time
I need a little of your time
Please, a little of your time
I need a little of your time
Please, a little of your time yeah

So please excuse me Mr.
You've got things all wrong
You make it feel like a crime
So don't confuse me Mr.
I've known you way too long boy
All I need is a little of your time

Ooh I'm in line to buy time
I'm in line to buy time
I'm in line to
I'm in line to
Excuse me
Well I've been waiting in line
Excuse me
Excuse me Mr.