You Can't Win
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Lyrics
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you must replace your common senses
and then you won't find it's hard to swallow
its been based on real events
you can only hear what you want to hear
they're wide awake and they're well aware
that they made you a promise that they won't keep they're wide awake they can't afford to go to sleep
with no remorse or self respect
the course of course is the least direct
they choose to confuse a resource they'll use
well if they don't win they still won't lose
a red cent or one thin dime
been banking your and been banking mine
they say this is the way that its always been they may let you in but they'll never let you win
no way, no how, no
you can't win, no you'll never win
no how, now way, they may
let you in, but they'll never let you win
what now please a word here to the wise
you;ll need to read between the lines
you've got to dot you t's and cross your eyes
cross your fingers when the print is fine
what you've got to do is say one step ahead
they're wide awake while you're still in bed
they cound the money while you count the sheep
they're wide awakehey can't afford to go to sleep
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones's song "You Can't Win" is a scathing critique of society's power structures and the ways in which those in power use their positions to manipulate and control those below them. The song urges listeners to be vigilant and skeptical of those in authority, to question official narratives, and to stay one step ahead of those who seek to exploit them.
In the first verse, the lyrics describe the need to replace "common senses" with a more critical perspective in order to see through the lies and manipulations of those in power. The chorus repeats the message that "you can't win," emphasizing the idea that the odds are always stacked against you if you play by the rules of those in power.
The second verse urges listeners to "read between the lines" and to be careful when interpreting official statements and news reports. The final lines of the song suggest that those in power are always working to enrich themselves at the expense of others, and that the only way to protect yourself is to stay alert and vigilant.
Overall, "You Can't Win" is a powerful social commentary that encourages listeners to resist oppressive power structures and to fight for their own autonomy and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
This won't be so hard to follow
The topic of the following lyrics is straightforward.
you must replace your common senses
You need to disregard your typical thought processes.
and then you won't find it's hard to swallow
You won't have difficulty accepting what is presented if you do so.
its been based on real events
The content is grounded in real-life situations.
you can only hear what you want to hear
You selectively listen to what suits your beliefs and desires.
they're wide awake and they're well aware
The people in charge are alert and informed.
that they made you a promise that they won't keep
They've made promises they have no intention of fulfilling.
they're wide awake they can't afford to go to sleep
They cannot allow themselves to slack off or lose focus.
with no remorse or self respect
They act without guilt or dignity.
the course of course is the least direct
They aim to reach their goals by taking the most indirect or convoluted paths.
they choose to confuse a resource they'll use
They intentionally make things unclear to manipulate and take advantage of a resource.
well if they don't win they still won't lose
If they fail to succeed, they will not suffer any consequences.
a red cent or one thin dime
They will not give up any of their money or resources.
been banking your and been banking mine
They have been taking advantage of you and me for their own gain.
they say this is the way that its always been
They claim that things have always been done this way.
they may let you in but they'll never let you win
They may grant you access, but they will never allow you succeed on their terms.
no way, no how, no
They will not allow any negotiation or alternatives.
you can't win, no you'll never win
You cannot succeed in their system or with their rules.
no how, now way, they may
They remain staunch in their stance, but they may seem inconsistent.
let you in, but they'll never let you win
They will appear to permit some level of participation, but victory is not an option.
what now please a word here to the wise
Advice is forthcoming.
you;ll need to read between the lines
You must deduce the intended message as it is not clear on the surface.
you've got to dot you t's and cross your eyes
You must be meticulous in your attention and scrutiny.
cross your fingers when the print is fine
Hope for the best when the situation is more positive.
what you've got to do is say one step ahead
You must remain ahead of the curve.
they're wide awake while you're still in bed
They are actively working while you are unaware or inactive.
they cound the money while you count the sheep
They are focused on profits while you are unconcerned with finances.
they're wide awakehey can't afford to go to sleep
They cannot allow themselves to slack off or lose focus.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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