Someone I Care About
The Modern Lovers Lyrics
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Well, I don't want just a girl to ball, alright
What I want is a girl that I care about, or I
Want nothing at all
Nothing at all, alright
Well, I won't pretend I like a girl if I really don't
And act like she's great when she makes me feel appalled
All I want is a girl that I care about or I
Want nothing at all
Oh, nothing at all
Well, I don't want some cocaine-sniffing tramp in the bar
Well, I don't want a triumph in the car
I don't want to make a rich girl crawl
What I want is a girl that I care about or I
Want no one at all
Alright, listen to this now
Picture this, I'm walking with my girlfriend
Twenty-eight misguided souls combine, say "We're moving in!"
There's a certain kind of girl
That you care about so much
You say "I don't care what you guys do to me
But her, don't touch!"
'Cause I don't want just a girl to fool around with
Well, I don't want just a girl to ball
What I want is a girl that I care about or I
Want nothing at all
Oh, alright
Well, I don't want a girl to fool around with, no
And I don't want just a girl to ball, no
What I want is a girl that I care about or I
Want nothing at all
Oh, alright, gentlemen
The Modern Lovers’ “Someone I Care About” is a song about a man searching for a woman that he truly cares about, rather than just a casual fling or a means of social status. Throughout the song, Jonathan Richman, the lead singer, expresses his desire for a meaningful relationship, stating that he would rather have no one than settle for less. He refuses to pretend to like someone or compromise his standards for the sake of being with a girl.
In the second verse, he specifically mentions what he doesn’t want in a partner, such as someone who is addicted to drugs or materialistic. The bridge of the song has a spoken-word segment where Richman narrates a scenario where he and his girlfriend are being threatened by a group of people, and he stands up for her, showing his devotion to her.
The song’s message is about valuing genuine connection over superficial qualities or physical attraction. It highlights the importance of communication, honesty and respect in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I don't want just a girl to fool around with
I am not interested in having casual relationships with women.
Well, I don't want just a girl to ball, alright
I am not looking for a girl who is just interested in sexual activities.
What I want is a girl that I care about, or I
Want nothing at all
Nothing at all, alright
I am only interested in a meaningful relationship with a girl I genuinely care about. Otherwise, I would rather not engage in any relationship.
Well, I won't pretend I like a girl if I really don't
And act like she's great when she makes me feel appalled
I refuse to pretend to like a girl when I do not genuinely enjoy her company. I won't pretend everything is fine when there are things about her that I dislike.
Oh, nothing at all
This phrase emphasizes that I would rather be alone than be in a relationship that does not fulfill me.
Well, I don't want some cocaine-sniffing tramp in the bar
Well, I don't want a triumph in the car
I don't want to make a rich girl crawl
I am not interested in shallow, materialistic girls. I don't want a girl who abuses drugs and parties all night just to fit in or please me. Being rich doesn't impress me if the girl can't be genuine or if I have to mistreat her for her wealth.
Want no one at all
This line reiterates that I would rather be single than settle for someone I do not genuinely care about.
Picture this, I'm walking with my girlfriend
Twenty-eight misguided souls combine, say "We're moving in!"
There's a certain kind of girl
That you care about so much
You say "I don't care what you guys do to me
But her, don't touch!"
This verse shows that when you find someone you truly care about, you will do anything to protect them. Under no circumstance will you let people disrespect or harm them.
Oh, alright, gentlemen
This is simply a casual ending to the song.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Michael Richman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fervellasverzas3620
Well I don't want just a girl to fool around with
Well I don't want just a girl to ball alright
What I want is a girl that I care about
Or I want nothing at all.
nothing at all, Alright
well
Well I won't pretend I like a girl if I really don't
And act like she's great when she makes me feel appalled
All I want is a girl that I care about
Or I want nothing at all.
nothing at all
Well I don't want some cocaine sniffing triumph in the bar
Well I don't want a triumph in the car
I don't want to make a rich girl crawl
What I want is a girl that I care about
Or I want no one at all
Alright, listen to this now.
Picture this:
I'm walking with my girlfriend
28 misguided souls combined say, "We're moving in"
There's a certain kind of girl that you care about so much
You say, "I don't care what you guys do to me, but her, don't touch"
'Cause I don't want just a girl to fool around with
I don't want just a girl to ball
What I want is a girl that I care about
Or I want nothing at all
Oh all right
Well I don't want just a girl to fool around with, no
I don't want just a girl to ball, no
What I want is a girl that I care about
Or I want nothing at all.
@paulmessis1985
Every 18 year old boy out there, needs this album.... if you're in your teens still and reading this... GO BUY this LP, it'll change your life.
@ruffian4922
Haha story of my life man. I remember being 18 driving around in my car blasting this!
@ericklemus4703
@@ruffian4922 I'm 19, I'll do this to keep the tradition alive.
@telexghoulie
14 here :)
@otisuyttenhove4226
17 y/o still rockin !!
@jeffmechling5110
Are you still reading this?
@Sabbath24
I love this video. Creator really nailed the energy of the song just right.
@hanstherag
This has just crashed into my top 20 favourite records of all time. Pure locomotion.
@shirleypena4133
I will never understand how in the world people like NWA, The Beastie Boys, Janet Jackson and The Sex Pistols can be in The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, yet The Modern Lovers haven't even been nominated, much less inducted. It's complete insanity!
@MarcosMartinez-zv7gg
@kim pantyhose It was recorded in 1972.