judgment time again, who's on the shit list this time around whose friends can we pick and tell them how to live value judgement hide, it's a-comin' our way he's just a jerk himself, tryin' to hurt his own he goes to the bar to get his girl but the rich he's got ain't what it's worth says he need his little sexual push says two in the hand's worth one in the bush because he's just a pain in the ass he's a thorn in my side why can't he leave me alone? instead of running my life?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Descendents’ song “My Dad Sucks” depict the frustration and annoyance felt by the singer towards their father, as well as their father’s behavior towards other people. The song begins with the singer questioning who is on the “shit list” this time around and whose friends they can choose to criticize and control. This highlights the judgmental nature of the father, as well as the toxic influence he has on the singer’s life.

The lyrics then go on to describe the father’s selfish behavior and his attempts to hurt those around him. He is shown to be an alcoholic who frequents bars to try and pick up women who are not interested in him. His sexual desires are distorted, as he claims that two in the hand are worth one in the bush. The lyrics convey a deep sense of frustration and resentment, as the singer feels that their father is nothing but a pain in the ass and a thorn in their side.

Overall, the song paints a deeply emotional picture of a strained father-son relationship. It portrays the father as a toxic presence in the singer’s life, whose judgmental nature and self-centered behavior is both frustrating and hurtful. The song is a poignant exploration of the effects that an unhealthy parental relationship can have on a child.

Line by Line Meaning

judgment time again, who's on the shit list this time around
It's time for us to judge someone and decide who to criticize and blame this time around.

whose friends can we pick and tell them how to live
We will try to choose his friends and dictate their way of living.

value judgement hide, it's a-comin' our way
We know that we will be judged for our behavior soon, so we are trying to hide and avoid it.

he's just a jerk himself, tryin' to hurt his own
He is a selfish person who only seeks to hurt himself and those around him.

he goes to the bar to get his girl but the rich he's got ain't what it's worth
He tries to impress his girlfriend by going to fancy places, but in reality, his wealth is not worth much.

says he need his little sexual push
He is obsessed with sex and always needs his 'little push' to satisfy himself.

says two in the hand's worth one in the bush
He believes that it's better to have something in hand (even if it's not satisfying) rather than risking something better in the future.

because he's just a pain in the ass
We find him extremely irritating and bothersome.

he's a thorn in my side
He causes constant frustration and annoyance in my life.

why can't he leave me alone?
I wish he would just stop bothering me and meddling in my life.

instead of running my life?
I would prefer if he focused on his own life instead of trying to control mine.

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