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Hate To Say I Told You So
The Hives Lyrics


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Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
Because I want to
Be ignored by the stiff and the bored because I'm gonna
Spit and retrieve 'cause I give and receive
Because I want to
Gonna get through your head
What the mystery man said because I'm gonna

Hate to say I told you so, alright
Come on
I do believe I told you so

Now it's all out and you knew
'Cause I wanted to
Turn my back on the rot
That's been planning the plot because I'm gonna
No need for me to wait because I wanna
No need two, three, too late because I'm gonna

Hate to say I told you so, alright
Come on
I do believe I told you so

Do what I please gonna spread the disease
Because I want to
Gonna call all the shots
For the no's and the not's because I wanna
Yeah

Ask me once I'll answer twice
'Cause all I know I'll tell because I wanna
Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
Because I want to
Oh yeah

Overall Meaning

The Hives’s song “Hate To Say I Told You So” from their 2000 album “Veni Vidi Vicious” expresses a rebellious attitude that challenges the mainstream. The lyrics, “Do what I want ‘cause I can,” establish an independent mindset that refuses to follow the norm. The song advocates for individualism and freedom, as the lyrics imply that the singer will not conform to societal expectations. The phrase “Because I’m gonna” reinforces this idea, suggesting a sense of determination and purpose.


The second verse takes a more critical tone towards those who dismiss the singer, specifically “the stiff and the bored” who are too caught up in their own routine to acknowledge the individuality of others. The line “Turn my back on the rot/ That’s been planning the plot” may be referring broadly to the establishment and its insidious agenda, or more specifically to those in power who restrict the freedom of the singer’s generation. The lyrics “Ask me once I’ll answer twice/ ‘Cause all I know I’ll tell” further emphasize the singer’s boldness and defiance, suggesting that they are not afraid to voice their opinions, no matter how unpopular.


“Hate To Say I Told You So” was released in several countries around the world and had moderate success on the international charts. The song has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and video games, including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. The Hives performed the song on several late-night talk shows, including Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.


Line by Line Meaning

Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
I am going to do everything I want to do because I have control over my life.


Because I want to
I will not answer to anyone because my actions are based on my desires.


Be ignored by the stiff and the bored because I'm gonna
I don't care if the rigid and uninterested pay no attention to me because I will continue living without their approval.


Spit and retrieve 'cause I give and receive
I will speak my mind and accept the consequences, good or bad.


Because I want to
I make my own choices for my own reasons.


Gonna get through your head
I will make sure you understand what I am saying.


What the mystery man said because I'm gonna
I am going to tell you what the enigmatic figure meant.


Hate to say I told you so, alright
I am not happy to be proven right, as it may cause disappointment or frustration for the other person.


Come on
Encouragement for the listener to understand the meaning behind the words.


I do believe I told you so
I am confident that I previously communicated these thoughts to you.


Now it's all out and you knew
You were aware of what was coming, and now the truth is revealed.


'Cause I wanted to
I acted the way I did because it was my personal preference.


Turn my back on the rot
I refuse to participate in something that is corrupt or harmful.


That's been planning the plot because I'm gonna
I will intervene in the plan because it goes against my principles.


No need for me to wait because I wanna
I am impatient and will act upon my desires immediately.


No need two, three, too late because I'm gonna
I won't be dissuaded by the notion of being too late to act on something.


Do what I please gonna spread the disease
I will do what I want and it may negatively affect others.


Because I want to
My actions only serve my own interests and desires.


Gonna call all the shots
I am the one who will make all the decisions.


For the no's and the not's because I wanna
I don't care about the opinions of those who are against me or those who are indifferent.


Ask me once I'll answer twice
If you ask me a question, I will give you a straightforward answer without hesitation.


'Cause all I know I'll tell because I wanna
I will disclose everything I know if it is in my best interest to do so.


Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
I will make my presence and identity known, possibly with flashy and extravagant means.


Because I want to
I will do what I want regardless of any consequences.


Oh yeah
Confirmation of the singer's confidence in their abilities and desires.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Randy Fitzsimmons

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@kevgjkd1970

Huh? OK 👍 😮I'll never tell someone else what they hear... but..?

Haunted? 👻

I'm not trolling... but ya I'm sounding it bcuz I'm thinking 🤔"Haunted..? Haunting..?
Hmm..?
The Doors "This is the end"...
Haunting.
Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon 🌙 🌚 "?
Again, Haunted.
..or has such a "hauntingly" composed lyrics & chorus tandem.
BUUT...

"HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO"
... BY THE HIVES ?
PUNK ROCK 🧷 🪨 🎸 🎶 MEETS REAL ROCK & ROLL ...!
BUT HAD QUICK, HARDCORE S&M SEX ...
WITH "POP MUSIC 🎶 "

"ALRIGHT !
C'MON !
HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SOOOOOOOOOO
... NOW IT'S ALL OVER YOU KNOW!" 🎶 🎵

KA-BOOM 💥💥!

KevG ❤😂🎉😊



@oasisrocks7896

Lyrics.

Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
Because I wanna
Be ignored by the stiff and the bored
Because I'm gonna
Spit and retrieve cause I give and receive
Because I wanna
Gonna get through your head what the mystery man said
Because I'm gonna

[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Verse 2]
Now it's all out and you knew
Cause I wanted to
Turn my back on the rot that's been planning the plot
Because I'm gonna
No need for me to wait
Because I wanna
No need two, three too late
Because I'm gonna

[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]
Do what I please, gonna spread the disease
Because I wanna
Gonna call all the shots for the "No"s and the "Not"s
Because I wanna
Yeah!

[Outro]
Ask me once I'll answer twice cause what I know I'll tell
Because I wanna!
Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
Because I wanna!
Oh yeah



@VEHICLEFAN5500

Instrumental Intro]

[verse 1]
Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
Because I wanna
Be ignored by the stiff and the bored
Because I'm gonna
Spit and retrieve cause I give and receive
Because I wanna
Gonna get through your head what the mystery man said
Because I'm gonna

[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Verse 2]
Now it's all out and you knew
Cause I wanted to
Turn my back on the rot that's been planning the plot
Because I'm gonna
No need for me to wait
Because I wanna
No need two, three too late
Because I'm gonna


[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]
Do what I please, gonna spread the disease
Because I wanna
Gonna call all the shots for the "No"s and the "Not"s
Because I wanna
YEAH!

[Outro]
Ask me once I'll answer twice cause what I know I'll tell
Because I wanna!
Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
Because I wanna!
Oh yeah!



All comments from YouTube:

@thehivestv

The Hives will album on August 11th! ‘Countdown to Shutdown’ features on our soon to be award winning new album ‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’. Pre-order it here here for eternal financial good luck:

https://found.ee/TheHivesPreOrder 📈

@RUDI-UK

Revisiting your first hit. Had to "Search and Destroy" it... (!)

@robmarley2565

Asshat

@HoopyAmero

Woot! On my birthday! I can't wait to play thru an entire album in one sitting that day, something I haven't done in a very very long time. Sorry to hear the loss of your fearless and enigmatic leader. F to Randy Fitzsimmons 😞

@JJONNYREPP

The Hives - Hate to Say I Told You So 1637pm 15.7.23 nice to know the men of the north.... nay, the peoples of the north... still enjoy their music for music's sake ie: they can still indulge ugly musicianship... ahahaha... none of that fancy fay simpering nancy boy music, here. i like this song. it's cool. this abba's domain.. power pop.

@landonalt

I've been listening to you guys since High school over 20 years ago! You guys are still Fckin Awesome! Thanks!!!!

8 More Replies...

@allenczelusniak8577

Honestly, this is one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.

@KittchenSink

I've been a metalhead for 56 years now and even I have to say.... this song is nothing short of superb

@redskies4530

Hi I recommend an Indie song here on youtube called Covid19 Jam By Robert Nix

@godjira63

Ich mochte Punk schon in den

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