Context

This line is from the poem "A Light in the Attic" by Shel Silverstein (1981).

This is the first line from the first poem in Shel Silverstein's poetry collection A Light in the Attic, so you know the author has invested a lot in this one little verse.

The idea of a light being on in the attic probably refers to the reader's brain. The kid who's picking up this book has got some smarts flickering on upstairs and the poet gets it. He might be on the outside of the house, but Shel Silverstein knows that young readers can be curious and brilliant. That's why he's ready to go on this poetic adventure with them! Hey, can we come along, too?

Where you've heard it

People might use this quote as a shorthand way to say that you're pretty darn bright. It's a compliment, so go ahead and take it that way.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Shel Silverstein is part of a balanced, healthy childhood, so quoting him could never be pretentious.