Admittedly, Bono has never really been comfortable performing the song live claiming that, "we're still trying figure this one out live.
Original of the Species
U2 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart
I'll give you everything you want
Except the thing that you want
You are the first one of your kind
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want the lot of what you got
And I want nothing that you're not
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it
Some things you shouldn't get too good at
Like smiling, crying and celebrity
Some people got way too much confidence, baby, baby
I'll give you everything you want
Except the thing that you want
You are the first one of your kind
And you feel like no-one before
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want the lot of what you got
And I want nothing that you're not
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it, no
Oh, oh no
Sugar, come on!
Show your soul
You've been keeping your love under control
Everywhere you go you shout it
You don't have to be shy about it
Everywhere you go you shout it, oh my my
And you feel like no-one before
You steal right under my door
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I want you some more, I want you some more
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
The lyrics of "Original of the Species" speak to a parent who is trying to give advice to their child as they grow up and face the world. The first verse urges the child to slow down and remember to keep a childlike sense of wonder and innocence. The parent promises to give the child everything they want, except for the one thing that they truly need, which is to stay true to themselves and not get caught up in trying to be someone else. The chorus declares that the child is unique, unlike anyone before them, and that they should be proud of who they are and not be afraid to be themselves.
The second verse warns against getting too good at things that can ultimately be detrimental, such as smiling, crying, and seeking out celebrity. The parent emphasizes that the child's natural confidence is enough and that they need not try to become something or someone they are not. The bridge encourages the child to let go of any inhibitions and show their true self to the world.
Overall, the song speaks to the idea of staying true to oneself, resisting the pressures of society to conform to certain standards, and embracing one's unique qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, slow down
Hey there, take your time, don't rush.
The end is not as fun as the start
Don't be in a hurry to grow up, adulthood isn't always as exciting as childhood.
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart
Keep a childlike outlook on life, don't lose your sense of wonder and joy.
I'll give you everything you want
I'll provide for you and fulfill your needs.
Except the thing that you want
But I won't give you what you're obsessing over, because it may not be what you truly need.
You are the first one of your kind
You are unique and one-of-a-kind, there is no one else like you.
And you feel like no-one before
You have a special energy and charisma that is unlike anyone else's.
You steal right under my door
You sneak into my heart without me even realizing it.
I kneel 'cause I want you some more
I show my respect and admiration for you, because I desire you even more.
I want the lot of what you got
I desire everything about you – your talents, quirks, and uniqueness.
And I want nothing that you're not
I accept you for who you are, and wouldn't change a thing about you.
Everywhere you go you shout it
You have a confident and loud personality, and are not afraid to assert yourself.
You don't have to be shy about it
You shouldn't feel self-conscious about being yourself and expressing your personality.
Some things you shouldn't get too good at
Some skills or traits can lead to negative consequences if taken to an extreme.
Like smiling, crying and celebrity
For example, always smiling can seem fake, crying too much can be overly dramatic, and celebrity status can be fake and fleeting.
Some people got way too much confidence, baby, baby
Some people are too full of themselves and their own abilities, and it can become annoying or off-putting.
Sugar, come on!
Hey there, let me show you something exciting!
Show your soul
Be vulnerable and show your true self, don't hold back.
You've been keeping your love under control
You've been holding back your romantic feelings or not expressing them fully.
Everywhere you go you shout it, oh my my
You make your presence known wherever you go, and it's exciting and attention-grabbing.
I want you some more, I want you some more
I desire you even more than before, and can't get enough of you.
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Expressing surprise and excitement at the intensity of the feelings involved.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mccoy22
Definitely U2's most underrated song. Should be played live at every concert.
Nathalie STEPIEN
I completely agree
Pranab Roy
Yes !
m j currington
Absolutely!
Mark Davidson
I still love the song though
Timothy Dannenhoffer
They have dozens of underrated songs, and it's why ignorant people argue against them being the greatest of all time...they ARE the greatest of all time.
Thomas Doyle
Wrote for his daughter, just incredible. As a father to a beautiful baby girl, I can’t imagine writing a more beautiful song to her than this. There’s nothing more humbling to a man than being blessed with a baby girl. For you Gabrielle my heart ❤️
Carina B
Actually, Bono wrote this for his goddaughter, Hollie, who is Edge's daughter
Kakau Caldas
For my 2 guiding light...Veronica and Morgana
Bruninja RJ
hj dia 30/05/23 achei esta musica que curtia mt na mtv , é incrível o poder dela e a nostalgia daquela época de ótimas musicas !