It was a thing I had to do
It was a message from below
It was a messy situation
It was desire for a girl

I'm not a wanker or a banker
I'm not afraid to take a risk
It is the thing females ask for
When they convey the opposite

Before I die
Before I die
Before I die
I'll get another piece of pie
I'll get another piece of pie
I'll get another piece of pie
If I have to lie

It was a thing I had to do
It was a message from below
It was a messy situation
It was a triumph of the will

Before I die
Before I die
Before I die
I'll get another piece of pie
I'll get another piece of pie
I'll get another piece of pie
If I have to lie

When the well cries out for water
It is a need that must be filled
It goes beyond the laws of nature
It takes a triumph of the will

Overall Meaning

The song Triumph Of The Will by Devo is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the human desire for pleasure and the lengths people will go to achieve it. The lyrics suggest that the singer is compelled to pursue a girl despite the messy situation it creates. The lyrics also explore the idea of risk-taking and the lies people tell themselves in pursuit of their desires. The repeated refrain "Before I die, I'll get another piece of pie, if I have to lie" suggests a willingness to do whatever it takes to satisfy one's desires.

The line "It was a triumph of the will" suggests a reference to the famous Nazi propaganda film of the same name, which celebrated the will and determination of the German people. However, Devo's use of the phrase is ironic, suggesting that the singer's pursuit of pleasure is not a noble endeavor but rather a base and selfish one.

Overall, the lyrics of Triumph Of The Will offer a sharp critique of human nature and our tendency to prioritize our own desires over ethics and morality.

Line by Line Meaning

It was a thing I had to do
I had an obligation to fulfill

It was a message from below
I felt an inner calling or intuition

It was a messy situation
The situation was complicated and difficult

It was desire for a girl
My motivation was romantic attraction

I'm not a wanker or a banker
I'm not a jerk or wealthy person

I'm not afraid to take a risk
I'm willing to take chances

It is the thing females ask for
Women want this thing even if they say otherwise

When they convey the opposite
Despite what women may say, they want this thing

Before I die
At some point in my life

I'll get another piece of pie
I'll attain my desire

If I have to lie
Even if I have to deceive others or myself to get it