Chicken Bones
John Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I noticed that it didn't have a right side
And my head feels like it's filled to the top
With pop and rocks and cyanide
There's an earthquake coming and you think you know
Where it started, but it started very long ago
I need a mongoose baby, and some Calgon to take me up outta here
Some days just chicken bones
You'd better fuck off now, you'd better leave me alone
'Cause I'm about to explode, just like a Wonder bread bomb
And I don't care what I know, because I can't be wrong
Some days just chicken bones
You'd better fuck off now, you'd better leave me alone
'Cause I'm about to explode, just like a Wonder bread bomb
And I don't care what I know, because I can't be wrong
Yes I know why you need it, 'cause your car broke down
And you wanna take the next bus outta this town
But if anybody's getting on the bus, dog, it's gonna be me
I know I don't need what you've got for me
Baby I do feel ready for me
You'd better watch out sugar, 'cause I'm about to get my old spice on
Some days just chicken bones
You'd better fuck off now, you'd better leave me alone
Cos I'm about to explode, just like a Wonder bread bomb
And I don't care what I know, because I can't be wrong
Some days just chicken bones
I'm all jacked up on DC at my place alone
And I don't care what you think about my attitude
Because I can't be bothered with the likes of you
Some days just chicken bones
You'd better fuck off now, you'd better leave me alone
Cos I'm about to explode, just like a Wonder bread bomb
And I don't care what I know, because I can't be wrong
Some days just chicken bones
I'm all jacked up on DC at my place alone
And I don't care what you think about my attitude
Because I can't be bothered with the likes of you
In John Grant's "Chicken Bones," the opening lines set the scene for a sense of disorientation and confusion, symbolized by the bed that doesn't have a right side and the head filled with pop, rocks, and cyanide. The singer acknowledges that an earthquake is coming, but it's been a long time in the making. He feels like he needs a mongoose and Calgon to escape.
The chorus repeats the phrase "some days just chicken bones," suggesting that there are times when things feel hollow and empty, like chicken bones picked clean. The singer warns others to stay away because he's about to explode, like a Wonder bread bomb. The repetition of the phrase "and I don't care what I know, because I can't be wrong" suggests a stubborn refusal to accept other points of view or solutions to problems.
The verses following the chorus feature an encounter with someone who wants to give the singer something he doesn't need. There's a sense of unease about this encounter, as the singer insists that he's the one who will be getting on the bus if anyone leaves town. The repeated phrase "jacked up on DC at my place alone" adds to the feeling of disconnection and isolation.
Overall, "Chicken Bones" explores themes of disorientation, confusion, frustration, and a sense of being stuck. The lyrics paint a portrait of a protagonist who is struggling to make sense of his world and is on the brink of exploding.
Line by Line Meaning
When I got out of my bed this morning
As soon as I woke up this morning
I noticed that it didn't have a right side
Realized my bed had an odd shape
And my head feels like it's filled to the top
My head is overwhelmed with thoughts
With pop and rocks and cyanide
It feels chaotic and dangerous in my mind
There's an earthquake coming and you think you know
Something big and unpredictable is approaching
Where it started, but it started very long ago
It's been a long time in the making
I need a mongoose baby, and some Calgon to take me up outta here
I need to escape this difficult situation
Some days just chicken bones
Some days are just disappointing
You'd better fuck off now, you'd better leave me alone
I need to be alone and don't want to be bothered
'Cause I'm about to explode, just like a Wonder bread bomb
I'm on the verge of losing control
And I don't care what I know, because I can't be wrong
I'm so frustrated that I no longer care about being right
Yes I know why you need it, 'cause your car broke down
I understand why you're asking for help
And you wanna take the next bus outta this town
You want to escape this place
But if anybody's getting on the bus, dog, it's gonna be me
I'm not letting you take what I want
I know I don't need what you've got for me
I'm not interested in what you're offering
Baby I do feel ready for me
I'm confident in myself
You'd better watch out sugar, 'cause I'm about to get my old spice on
You should be wary because I'm about to assert myself
I'm all jacked up on DC at my place alone
I'm energized and on edge by myself
And I don't care what you think about my attitude
I'm not concerned with your opinion of me
Because I can't be bothered with the likes of you
I have no interest in dealing with people like you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN GRANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidnyholm8796
My favourite JG video. This guy is just amazing. Great voice, melodies and lyrics. The best new music Ive heard in at least 25 years.
@Vickstar79
I love that he takes the time to plunge the coffee - proper class!
@KeikoMushi
Still my favorite song by John Grant. <3
@void1718
Fantastic video , as is Jon Grant ❤
@jmm834
John Grant is awesome!
@johnthornhill8551
Totally love this guy!
@owpidcock
Love it.
@colmsdad
Magic!!!! I love it :)
@adamwest6050
This is guy is brilliant in many different ways
@89reasons4steeze
I just discovered these guys, new favorite song haha