Circles
- Joe Satriani Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can't, can't, can't, can't do
I can't, can't, can't, can't do
Sometimes I feel like shit
So don't waste my fuckin' time
I don't need no family just
A big fat check of royalties
I know what I wanna do
But I just don't seem
To get it through
And I can't do anything
And I can't do anything
You live like a wannabee
In this sick society
And you sitting next to me
Can't you fuckin' see?
I know how I ended up here




I took your piece of shit for real
'Cause I'm a U.F.O. Romeo

Overall Meaning

The song "Circles" by Joe Satriani conveys a sense of helplessness and frustration towards one's own limitations. The constant repetition of "I can't do" highlights the singer's perceived inability to achieve their goals. This lack of self-belief is juxtaposed with their desire for financial success, as seen in the lines "I don't need no family just, A big fat check of royalties." The singer appears to be struggling to reconcile their dreams with their reality, a feeling that many people can relate to.


Furthermore, the lyrics suggest a strong disdain for societal norms and expectations. The line "You live like a wannabee, In this sick society" reflects the singer's criticism of conformity and the pressure to fit in. They seem to be frustrated with the person sitting next to them, who is unable to understand their perspective. The line "Can't you fuckin' see?" suggests a feeling of isolation and loneliness.


Overall, "Circles" is a powerful commentary on the difficulties of navigating one's own desires within a society that often seems at odds with them. Through its raw lyrics and driving rock sound, the song captures the sense of frustration and anger that many people can feel when they are unable to achieve their goals.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't, can't, can't, can't do
I am incapable of achieving my goals, no matter how hard I try or how much effort I put in.


I can't, can't, can't, can't do
No matter how much I struggle, I consistently fail to reach the desired outcome.


Sometimes I feel like shit
I experience moments of self-doubt and insecurity that make me feel worthless or inadequate.


So don't waste my fuckin' time
I do not have time to waste on frivolous or unimportant matters that do not contribute to my goals or aspirations.


I don't need no family just
I prioritize financial success and fame over the traditional values and support systems associated with a family.


A big fat check of royalties
My end goal is to accumulate significant wealth from the royalties of my creative output.


I know what I wanna do
I possess a clear vision of what I want to achieve with my music and career path.


But I just don't seem
Despite my clarity of vision and earnest efforts, I find myself unable to progress towards my goals.


To get it through
I struggle to comprehend why I am unable to succeed despite my efforts.


And I can't do anything
I am in a state of hopelessness, where I feel like there is nothing I can do to change my situation or achieve my desired outcomes.


And I can't do anything
I feel a sense of resignation and despair at my inability to change my circumstances or achieve my goals.


You live like a wannabee
You live a life that prioritizes superficial status symbols and illusions of grandeur over genuine creative expression and individuality.


In this sick society
The societal norms and expectations that one is expected to conform to are sick and twisted, leading to a culture of inauthenticity and superficiality.


And you sitting next to me
You are present and visible in my environment, but may not understand or appreciate my struggle and frustrations.


Can't you fuckin' see?
I am frustrated and disillusioned by the fact that you do not seem to understand or empathize with my situation.


I know how I ended up here
I possess a clear understanding of the series of events and choices that led me to my current situation.


I took your piece of shit for real
I made the mistake of taking your advice or input seriously, even though it was of low quality or value.


'Cause I'm a U.F.O. Romeo
I am a unique and unconventional individual, unwilling to conform to societal norms or expectations.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ADAM TONY FENTON, BOB JAMES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mileskaye8621

An absolute gem. I grew up learning guitar and idolizing the maestro and he has yet to disappoint me. This entire band melds beautifully together.

@Marcin79W

Jeff is so smooth on drums.

@richardvarneyjr.2296

Different overall feel.

@LoneWolfJoe

Yeah he is playing exactly in tune and in sync with the music. Compliments Joe's playing perfectly. Incredible! I wish he still played with Joe, the new drummer he has seems like the guy is just there to fill the position and get paid in my opinion.

@markusantonio4866

@Vinnie Provolone They back to the Squares days. So Used Up is a great track.

@SANTOSOSANTOS

~SEEING THEM PLAY LIVE ..ESPECIALLU WITH STU HAMM ON BASS IS JUST DELICIOUS AUDIO PORN.. THEY ARE SUCH A PERFECT FIT FOR EACH OTHER..MUCH LIKE VAI,SHEEHAN & BISSONETTE.. I JUST WISH THERE WAS A WAY TO RECORD THEM THAT ACTUALLY CAPTURES THEIR COHESIVENESS MORE ACURATELY.. I HAVE YET TO HEAR A LIVE RECORDING THAT HAS THE PROPER MIX TO RELAY THAT EXACT SOUND YOU HEAR LIVE..ICAN'T WAIT TILL TECHNOLOGY FINALLY MAKES THAT A REALITY..LOL~

@richardschulz4405

@Vinnie Provolone pretty good then...

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@wbspensfan28

The thing I love about joe is the pure look of joy in his face.

@killerdamocles69

I remember my brother bringing home a taped copy of a copy of a copy of Surfing. I was about 14. We would play board games and listen to it. i always remember loving the 1st half of the album but found the second half really drew me in and took me off to another place. Circles and Lords of Karma really fueled my imagination. After that I bought all his albums on tape and would scrutinize every tiny photo, read all the liner notes and just wonder about the world of Satch. Back in 1993 we were so distanced here in Australia. When he came out here and toured for the 1st time in the early 2000s I said i could die happy. i got to meet him get my guitar signed and shake his hand (mind blown. Also THE nicest guy in music). He has since toured about 5 times more and each time I am amazed! My point being that I love the fact that you can now see a performance that he has done days if not hours after he has played it. It's amazing that we can just log on and watch this stuff for free!! (I wore my Satch Tapes VCR out long ago). We live in an awesome age where we can see some amazing talent perform even though we are scattered across the globe. I'll never reach SATCHuration point! Long live Satch! (gets off soapbox, picks up walking frame and shuffles off shouting "kids of today have no idea how good they've got it!")

@neilscott9281

Damo Bozo Damo Bozo yeah ditto... you are right it is amazing that we have access to this music as we do, it's such a privilege... Satch a privilege😏...(I wonder how long it will last before it all may possibly come crashing down, well we had better make use of it perhaps while we can, make hay while the sun shines so to speak.)
I have been just chasing up my brother for the CD...that he, that he stole... borrowed, from me, so I can somehow perhaps learn to play, Circles, soundly live, from the CD I borrowed/forgot to give back to my guitarist friend Dan, who was absolutely awesome at guitar, who probably never forgave me/is deeply psychologically scarred by my forgetfulness.
Although perhaps if I learned to play it, put it out there in the real world as a performance, he may forgive me, as Lords of karma we would see this moving in righteous Circles, & we'll be Flying...😎

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