Start Choppin'
Dinosaur Jr. Lyrics
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I'm so numb, can't even react
Didn't say it's not okay
But we aren't dealing the same way
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
It's the last thing on my mind
Still you won't let things unwind
Spinning tight around your head
Can't you hear a word I've said?
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
When you call it's just not fair
It's the last thing you should share
I can't deal, I'll let you know
Still I wish you'd let it go
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
I'm tellin' you for one last time
It's not just you, the problem's mine to hide
I waited as long as I could
If you need it, sure I would, that's fine
Well, there's no goin' back to that
I'm so numb can't even react
Didn't say it's not okay
But we aren't dealin' the same way
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
I'm tellin' you for one last time
It's not just you, the problem's mine to hide
I waited as long as I could
If you need it, sure I would, that's fine
I'm takin' away a lot of stuff
I'm telling you it's rough but not goodbye
The lyrics to Dinosaur Jr.'s song "Start Choppin'" depict a relationship that has reached its breaking point. The singer initially seems resigned to the end of the relationship, stating "There's no going back to that" and "I ain't tellin' you goodbye." However, the other person involved in the relationship is having a harder time accepting things and continues to reach out to the singer. The singer is frustrated by these attempts at communication, telling the other person that "It's the last thing on my mind" and "When you call it's just not fair." The singer eventually clarifies that the problem is not solely with the other person, but rather a mutual issue that they are each dealing with in their own way.
The lyrics of "Start Choppin'" are a reflection on the difficulty of ending a relationship and the differing ways in which people cope with the aftermath. Despite the frustrations and challenges, the singer seems to express a desire to help the other person move on, stating "If you need it, sure I would, that's fine" and "I'm taking away a lot of stuff / I'm telling you it's rough but not goodbye."
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder that the end of a relationship is never easy, but that there remains the possibility for understanding and compassion.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no going back to that
We can't return to how things were before
I'm so numb, can't even react
I'm emotionally detached and unable to respond
Didn't say it's not okay
I didn't say it was unacceptable
But we aren't dealing the same way
We have different methods of coping with the situation
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I'm not keeping something from you
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
I'm not bidding farewell to you
It's the last thing on my mind
I'm not thinking about it anymore
Still you won't let things unwind
However, you continue to hold onto it
Spinning tight around your head
It's causing you a lot of mental anguish
Can't you hear a word I've said?
Are you not listening to me?
When you call it's just not fair
I find it unfair when you contact me
It's the last thing you should share
It's the last thing you should talk to me about
I can't deal, I'll let you know
I can't handle it, I'll tell you
Still I wish you'd let it go
However, I wish you could move on
I'm tellin' you for one last time
I'm informing you for the final time
It's not just you, the problem's mine to hide
It's not solely your fault, I have a role in this too
I waited as long as I could
I delayed as much as I could
If you need it, sure I would, that's fine
If you require my help, I'm willing to provide it, no problem
Well, there's no goin' back to that
We can't return to how things were before
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Farewell, farewell, farewell
I'm takin' away a lot of stuff
I'm removing a lot of things
I'm telling you it's rough but not goodbye
I'm informing you that it's challenging, but it's not goodbye
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOSEPH MASCIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@francescopulita9271
There's no going back to that
I'm so numb, can't even react
Didn't say it's not okay
But we aren't dealing the same way
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
It's the last thing on my mind
Still you won't let things unwind
Spinning tight around your head
Can't you hear a word I've said?
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
When you call it's just not fair
It's the last thing you should share
I can't deal, I'll let you know
Still I wish you'd let it go
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
I'm tellin' you for one last time
It's not just you, the problem's mine to hide
I waited as long as I could
If you need it, sure I would, that's fine
Well, there's no goin' back to that
I'm so numb can't even react
Didn't say it's not okay
But we aren't dealin' the same way
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
I'm tellin' you for one last time
It's not just you, the problem's mine to hide
I waited as long as I could
If you need it, sure I would, that's fine
I'm takin' away a lot of stuff
I'm telling you it's rough but not goodbye
@wonka4
There's no goin' back to that
I'm so numb, can't even react
didn't say it's not ok
but we aren't dealin' the same way
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
it's the last thing on my mind
still you won't let things unwind
spinnin' tight around your head
can't you hear a word I've said?
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
when you call it's just not fair
Its the last thing you should share
I can't deal, I'll let you know
still I wish you'd let it go
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
I'm tellin' you for one last time
it's not just You,
the problem I could have
I waited as long as I could
if you need it, sure I would, that's fine [solo]
Well, there's no goin' back to that
I'm so numb can't even react
didn't say it's not ok
but we aren't dealin' the same way
I ain't tellin' you a secret
I ain't tellin' you goodbye
goodbye goodbye
I'm tellin' you for one last time
it's not just you, the problem's mine to hide
I waited as long as I could
if you need it, sure I would, that's fine
I'm takin' away a lot of stuff
I'm telling you it's rough but not goodbye [solo]
@RickBeato
Start Choppin IS the sound of indie rock. Love this so much!
@SanderogSten
Hi, Rick, really love your content can you make a video about Dinasour Jr, woul really appreciate it, thank you
@todd1222121
YES! A Dinosaur Jr “What makes this song great?” would be awesome!!!!
@SushiChefOttoBlum
Rick been asking you for years to talk about J.........Talk about western MA and Boston 80's scene before Seatlle....Dinosaur Jr, Lemomheads, Pixies, Blake Babies, Bullet Lavolta Love your channel seeing this comment made my week.
@SizeTenBiscuit
Yeah, time for a ‘What Makes This Song Great’
@THECOSMONAUT100
Yeah Rick! A why this song is great about Dinosaur Jr. (implying they're not a group that auto strikes) would be awesome bro. I'd definitely watch it.
@mxxmi
You saved my youth, you saved my mother/parenthood years, you are about to save my retirement and if I'm still allowed to play this out loud in the hospice I'll die happy my friends 💓🔥
@ControlVee
@Troy Place i always laugh about this, when Gen X are going to be in these places. will there still be goth gangs, rappers in cheesy nike slippers, skins, punks etc? goths always threatening to take too many pills, rap guys putting each other down all the time, punks with blue hair, and the indie kids just being quiet and watching everything fall apart.
@alainayala8053
One of my favorite bands ever.
The first time i heard Dinosaur Jr (around 93) I fell in love with their music.
More people should know them.
J is an icon of alternative rock and roll.
@jamesradskijr.9745
Same 4 me