“Big Man, Little Dignity” by Paramore

The term “big man” is a colloquialism that can be interpreted in different ways. Usually it points to someone who is of a higher standing than those around him. But in some instances, said standing may be in his own mind, thus rationalizing “big man” being used as a taunt towards a guy who thinks too highly of himself.

In this song, it appears that both of those classifications are true. The subject is presented as someone who, in the eyes of the world, may be regarded as being more exceptional than the norm. But from Hayley’s perspective, he is also obviously a person who believes his own press, if you will.

It may well be that Hayley is referring to someone like a playa she comes across in a club and admittedly has some level of fascination for. It is also pretty apparent that she is privy to some personal details surrounding this person’s life, such as, most notably, him not being as “clean” as he may appear to those who don’t know him.

Indeed such a notion would basically be the thesis sentiment, that the subject is a “big man” on the outside but internally has “little dignity”. And as relayed in the bridge, the vocalist is sort pissed off that others are unable to perceive him as he actually is.

“Big man (Ooh)
Little dignity
Big man (Ooh)
Little dignity
No offense, but you
You got no integrity
Big man (Ooh)
Oh, la, la, la, little dignity”

Credits

Paramore’s songwriting team of Hayley Williams and Taylor York composed this song, and its producer is Carlos de la Garza.

Release Date of “Big Man, Little Dignity”

“Big Man, Little Dignity” can be found on the sixth studio album of Paramore’s career titled “This Is Why”. This album, which was made public on February 10, 2023 by Atlantic Records, was preceded by these singles:

• “C’est Comme Ça”
• “The News”
• “This Is Why”