When You're In Prison
♫The Offspring [2003 - Splinter] Lyrics
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Keep your back against the wall
When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Do not bend at all
Oh don't pick up the soap, pick up the soap
It's bad for you
Someone will be waiting there for you
When you're in prison be sure to stay awake
Always lie upon your back
When you're in prison be sure to stay awake
Keep you from attack
Oh don't be no one's bitch, be no one's bitch
It's bad for you
Oh don't be no one's bitch, be no one's bitch
They won't help you make it through.
When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Follow what I say to do.
When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
You can make it through
You can make it through
You can make it through
The Offspring's song "When You're In Prison" from their 2003 album "Splinter" is a darkly humorous but cautionary tale of what to expect if one ends up in prison. The song advises against being vulnerable to other inmates, both physically and emotionally. The lyrics suggest to keep one's back against the wall and stay alert every second. It also warns not to bend or pick up the soap, for fear of being assaulted or used by other inmates. The line "don't be no one's bitch" repeats often, emphasizing the theme of avoiding submission and domination in a place where violence is prevalent.
The song also highlights the idea of being self-reliant when in prison. The advice here being, do not expect help from anyone, do not depend on others, and try to make it through yourself. The lyrics reinforce the idea of self-preservation and encourage the listener to remember the song's advice when in prison.
In conclusion, "When You're In Prison" is a sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek song that conveys a serious message about the dangers of prison life. The song's cynical humor blends with the seriousness of the lyrics to create a memorable and effective warning about life behind bars.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Don't ignore the dangers of prison
Keep your back against the wall
Stay alert and aware of what's going on around you
Do not bend at all
Don't compromise your morals or allow yourself to become vulnerable
Oh don't pick up the soap, pick up the soap
Be wary of potential threats, even if they seem harmless
It's bad for you
The consequences could be serious
Someone will be waiting there for you
There are people in prison who will take advantage of others' weaknesses
When you're in prison be sure to stay awake
Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings
Always lie upon your back
Stay in a position where you can see what's going on around you
Keep you from attack
This can help you avoid being caught off-guard
Oh don't be no one's bitch, be no one's bitch
Don't allow others to dominate or control you
They won't help you make it through
Those who try to take advantage of you won't have your best interests in mind
Follow what I say to do
Take this advice seriously in order to increase your chances of survival in prison
You can make it through
There is hope for survival and eventual release from prison
You can make it through
Repeat of the above message for emphasis
You can make it through
Repeat of the above message for emphasis
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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