Sophomore slump
A sophomore slump or sophomore jinx or sophomore jitters refers to an instance in which a second, or sophomore, effort fails to live up to the standards of the first effort. It is commonly used to refer to the apathy of students (second year of high school, college or university), the performance of athletes (second season of play), singers/bands (second album), television shows (second seasons) and movies (sequels/prequels).
In the United Kingdom, the "sophomore slump" is more commonly referred to as "second year blues", particularly when describing university students. In Australia, it is known as "second year syndrome", and is particularly common when referring to professional athletes who have a mediocre second season following a stellar debut.
The phenomenon of a "sophomore slump" can be explained psychologically, where earlier success has a reducing effect on the subsequent effort, but it can also be explained statistically, as an effect of the regression towards the mean.
Sophomore Jinx
give them what they want
when they want
when they know what they want
i'm sick of thinking for myself so i'll play along
stick me in a room full of books, suits, and record deals
be sure to make some coffee with your cream and ask me how
i feel
it's been a long, lonely wait
oh, we can hardly wait to hear the tunes you have made
i'll bet they're really great
there's something to the way you find time to create
the second album is late
where is it anyway?
here i am
believe the sound you breathe
i'm in up to my knees
disregard everything because now i'm over my sophomore jinx
you're crowding my dollar signs (make everyone sing)
your little songs i'll call mine (my sophomore jinx)
get to the back of the line (love turns to hate)
when i stand a million to one (to one)
x amount of dollars for my head
should i say "commodity"
help me get madonna off my bed
she's just to drunk to sing
management's explaining, entertaining to the industry
they've heard the same spiel a million times
maybe two or three
the illusion is sealed
the band's all wrapped in chains
wish their vibe was still real
now it all sounds the same
and all the grooves that they steal
all the blues down on beale
prolific wisdom english poets often write
here i am
believe the sound you breed
i'm in up to my knees
disregard everything because now i'm over my sophomore jinx
you're crowding my dollar signs (make everyone sing)
your little words, they don't rhyme (my sophomore jinx)
you've wasted all my precious time (love turns to hate)
when i stand a million to one
long, lonely wait
