What Did I Do
Foo Fighters Lyrics


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There you go again
Putting words into my mouth
This one's for you to know
And for me to find out

All that trouble, and you on about
How you gonna know, til you hear it out loud
Stop, ask myself what did I do?
What did I do to deserve you?
Come on, tell me now what did I do?
What did I do to deserve you?

I heard every word comin' from the 13th floor
Your song came along
And I heard the voices telling me to save yourself
I'll behave yourself

I stop, ask myself what did I do?
What can I do to preserve you?
Come on, tell me now, what can I do?
What can I do to conserve you?

Your name, year of fame
I could see the writing on the wall
Come on, flip a coin, bet it's going to tell you
To save yourself, I'll behave yourself

Your man, channelin', knowin' by the X on his hand
You raise, runaways singin' at the gate
To save yourself, I'll behave yourself

So here I go again
Putting words into your mouth
This one's for me to know
And for you to find out

All that trouble and I'm on about
How you gonna know, til you hear it out loud
All of your heroes, where are they now?

I'm lost, deliver me
I crossed the river finally
God as my witness
Yeah it's gonna heal my soul tonight
God as my witness
Yeah it's gonna heal my soul tonight
God as my witness
Yeah it's gonna heal my soul tonight

God as my witness
Yeah you gonna heal my soul tonight




God as my witness
Yeah you gonna heal my soul tonight

Overall Meaning

The song What Did I Do by Foo Fighters opens with a depiction of a conversation where someone is trying to put words in the singer's mouth. The singer is unwilling to play along and is instead curious about what the other person has to say. The lyrics then delve into an introspective examination where the singer asks themselves what they did to deserve the other person's attention and affection. The chorus repeats this line of questioning in a self-reflective manner.


The song then moves to a description of events where the singer heard a song that inspired them to save themselves and behave appropriately. They continue to ask themselves what they can do to preserve and conserve the love that they have received. The lyrics become ambiguous by mentioning the name and year of fame, which may refer to a specific person or event, but the meaning is not clear. However, it can be interpreted as the singer's anxiety about losing the love and affection that they have received.


In the final stanza of the song, the singer turns the tables and puts words in the other person's mouth, leaving them to find out what they meant. The song then ends with a series of repeated phrases that declare the singer's faith in God, that He will heal their soul tonight.


Overall, the song What Did I Do by Foo Fighters explores the complexities of love and relationships, as well as the anxiety and introspection that come with it. The lyrics are open to interpretation and encourage listeners to examine their thoughts and feelings about their own relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

There you go again
You're doing it again


Putting words into my mouth
Misrepresenting me


This one's for you to know
I'm keeping a secret


And for me to find out
I'll figure it out on my own


All that trouble, and you on about
You're only focused on the negative


How you gonna know, til you hear it out loud
Don't judge without hearing the whole story


Stop, ask myself what did I do?
Reflect on my actions


What did I do to deserve you?
Why do I put up with you?


Come on, tell me now what did I do?
Give me an answer


What did I do to deserve you?
Why do I put up with you?


I heard every word comin' from the 13th floor
I heard everything from a high place


Your song came along
Your message resonated with me


And I heard the voices telling me to save yourself
I heard a message to protect myself


I'll behave yourself
I'll control myself


What can I do to preserve you?
How can I keep you safe?


Come on, tell me now, what can I do?
Give me suggestions


What can I do to conserve you?
How can I save you?


Your name, year of fame
You were once famous


I could see the writing on the wall
I knew this was coming


Come on, flip a coin, bet it's going to tell you
You can predict the outcome


Your man, channelin', knowin' by the X on his hand
Your partner with a tattooed hand is spiritually guided


You raise, runaways singin' at the gate
You support youth in need


So here I go again
It's my turn now


Putting words into your mouth
Misrepresenting you


This one's for me to know
I'm keeping a secret


And for you to find out
You'll have to figure it out


All that trouble and I'm on about
I'm causing problems too


All of your heroes, where are they now?
Your role models failed you


I'm lost, deliver me
I need help finding my way


I crossed the river finally
I overcame a challenge


God as my witness
Swearing to tell the truth


Yeah it's gonna heal my soul tonight
It will bring me peace


Yeah you gonna heal my soul tonight
You will bring me peace




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRIS SHIFLETT, DAVID GROHL, GEORG RUTHENBERG, NATE MENDEL, TAYLOR HAWKINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Spectrei

Lyrics:
There you go again
Putting words into my mouth
This one's for you to know
And for me to find out

All that trouble, and you on about
How you gonna know, 'til you hear it out loud
Stop, ask myself what did I do?
What did I do to deserve you?
Come on, tell me now what did I do?
What did I do to deserve you?

I heard every word comin' from the 13th floor
Your song came along
And I heard the voices telling me to save yourself
I'll behave yourself

I stop, ask myself what did I do?
What can I do to preserve you?
Come on, tell me now, what can I do?
What can I do to conserve you?

Your name, year of fame
I could see the writing on the wall
Come on, flip a coin, bet it's going to tell you
To save yourself, I'll behave yourself

Your man, channelin', knowin' by the X on his hand
You raise, runaways singin' at the gate
To save yourself, I'll behave yourself

So here I go again
Putting words into your mouth
This one's for me to know
And for you to find out

All that trouble and I'm on about
How you gonna know, til you hear it out loud
All of your heroes, where are they now?

I'm lost, deliver me
I crossed the river finally
God as my witness
Yeah, it's gonna heal my soul tonight
God as my witness
Yeah, it's gonna heal my soul tonight
God as my witness
Yeah, it's gonna heal my soul tonight

God as my witness
Yeah, you gonna heal my soul tonight
God as my witness
Yeah, you gonna heal my soul tonight

Reply if there are any mistakes or to discuss the lyrics!



All comments from YouTube:

RagingZen

Foo Fighters will forever be one of my all time favorite bands. No matter what different styles they pursue, I'll always support them. They're keeping true rock surfaced enough to stay alive above ground. Legends. 
Rock on guys!!!

ClaimingCowbellDRUMS

Everyone seems to be complaining about the change in style, and I'm just sitting here loving this multi-city-inspired album that is giving off a 60s/70s rock'n'roll feel. The Foos have kept modern rock alive, now they're reviving classic rock. These guys are heroes - "My Hero"s to be exact! :)

Alfred Spears

Heck yeah 😁😁

hi i'm emily

Four incredible songs down, four to go. I can't imagine what the whole thing is going to sound like; halfway through it already has my vote for Album of the Year!

Daniel mc

seven years later, this is still my favourite album of all time

the exotic keeper

No the best album in the world

Eric Kanis

Carascoroscovaldo Album of the year

Vincent Cove

Trevor Plays Thanks

hi i'm emily

Vincent Gilmore That was me; I flagged his comment.

48 More Replies...

dan meme

I don't think these guys have ever put anything out that sucks. Good job fellas. I like it.

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