FTM at the DMV
Schmekel Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴You've got your peius in a curl
But your driver's licence says you're a girl
You've got black slacks and a small round hat
You feel like Yentl (What's that?) It's Pat!

Everyone says you're what you're not
You didn't even drive here because it's Shabbat
You love your car so much, you want to lube her

But you're stuck in line reading Martin Buber!

You're FTM at the DMV
You're FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
And you're a Conservadox Jew!

The girls in the line treat you like a pariah
A crazy old man's shouting 'bout the messiah
The workers are laughing at your legal name
You're full of pastrami and societal shame!

Everyone says you're what you're not
You didn't even drive here because it's Shabbat
You love your car so much, you want to lube her
But you're stuck in line reading Martin Buber!

FTM at the DMV
You're FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
And you're a Conservadox Jew!

Your mama's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your papa's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your uncle's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your grandma's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your tante's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your rabbi's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your cantor's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your mohel's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!

You're FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
And you're an Atheist Jew!

You're FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
And you're an Anarchist Jew!

You're FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV
And you're the Wandering Jew!

You're FTM at the DMV
FTM at the DMV

FTM at the DMV
And you're a Jew Jew Jew!


Overall Meaning

The song "FTM at the DMV" by Schmekel is a clever and poignant commentary on the intersection of identity and societal norms. The song's opening lyrics, "You've got your penis in a curl, but your driver's license says you're a girl," highlight the confusion and frustration that accompanies gender dysphoria. The singer of the song feels like an outsider in every facet of their life, from the DMV to their religious community, which is indicated by the line, "you're a Conservadox Jew."


The use of humor throughout the song serves to underscore the very real pain that comes with feeling misunderstood and marginalized. For example, the use of the phrase "It's Pat!" in reference to feeling like a genderless character resonates with audiences who have experienced similar levels of confusion and invisibility. The song's references to religious traditions and cultural stereotypes further highlight the restrictive nature of societal expectations, which can exacerbate feelings of dysphoria and alienation.


Overall, "FTM at the DMV" is a clever, catchy, and cutting critique of the ways in which our society polices gender and identity, and the very real toll this can take on individuals who feel like they do not fit into these expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

You've got your peius in a curl
You have styled your sidecurl in a particular way.


But your driver's licence says you're a girl
Your legal identification and gender assigned at birth do not match your gender identity.


You've got black slacks and a small round hat
You are wearing traditional Jewish clothing, including black slacks and a yarmulke or kippah.


You feel like Yentl (What's that?) It's Pat!
You feel like a character from a movie who is trying to pass as a different gender, like Yentl or Pat from Saturday Night Live.


Everyone says you're what you're not
Others do not believe or accept your gender identity, causing frustration and confusion.


You didn't even drive here because it's Shabbat
You observe the Jewish day of rest and refrain from driving on that day.


You love your car so much, you want to lube her
You care deeply for your vehicle and want to keep it in good condition by lubricating the engine.


But you're stuck in line reading Martin Buber!
You find yourself in a boring situation, waiting in line at the DMV and passing the time by reading a work of Jewish philosophy, namely the works of Martin Buber.


You're FTM at the DMV
You are a transgender person who identifies as male and are currently at the DMV to change your legal gender marker.


And you're a Conservadox Jew!
You practice Conservative Judaism, which combines traditional and modern practices and beliefs.


The girls in the line treat you like a pariah
Other women in the line are treating you with disdain and as an outcast due to your gender identity.


A crazy old man's shouting 'bout the messiah
An older man in the line is shouting about religious beliefs, specifically the Messiah.


The workers are laughing at your legal name
DMV workers are making fun of your legal name, which may not accurately reflect your identity or affirm your gender.


You're full of pastrami and societal shame!
You feel both physically and emotionally weighed down by societal expectations and the judgment of others.


Your mama's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your mother is mourning the end of punk rock music and culture.


Your papa's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your father is also grieving the decline of punk culture.


Your uncle's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your uncle is also upset about the end of punk rock and its influence on culture.


Your grandma's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Even your grandmother is sad about the decline of punk rock and its cultural significance.


Your tante's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your aunt is also mourning the end of punk culture.


Your rabbi's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Even your rabbi is sad about the end of punk and its influence on society.


Your cantor's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Your cantor, who leads singing or chanting in a synagogue, is also grieving the decline of punk music and culture.


Your mohel's sittin' shiva ‘cuz punk is dead!
Even your mohel, who performs circumcisions according to Jewish tradition, is upset about the end of punk rock and culture.


And you're an Atheist Jew!
You identify as Jewish but do not follow traditional religious beliefs or practices.


And you're an Anarchist Jew!
You identify as Jewish and subscribe to anarchist political beliefs and practices, including the rejection of authority and hierarchy.


And you're the Wandering Jew!
You cheekily allude to the Jewish legend of a man who is doomed to wander the earth due to his mistreatment of Jesus.


And you're a Jew Jew Jew!
You proudly proclaim your Jewish heritage and identity multiple times, despite the challenges and obstacles that come with it.


Contributed by Zoe D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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