HEADSTRONG
10000 Maniacs Lyrics


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To your common sense firm arguments
I won't listen to your voice of reason trying to change my mind.
I mind my feelings and not your words.
Didn't you notice I'm so headstrong even when I know I'm wrong?
Take this to your heart and into your head now:
before you waste your time, call a truce and call a draw.

What's the use in mapping your views out in orderly form
when it does nothing but confuse and anger me more?
I mind my feelings and not your words.
Didn't you notice I'm so headstrong.
You're talking to a deaf stone wall.
Take this to your heart and into your head now:
the old wives' tale is true, I'll repeat it.
All is fair in love and war, that's how the famous saying goes.

Open up your eyes, see me for what I am:
cast in iron, I won't break and I won't bend.
Take this to your heart and into your head now:
the old wives' tale is true, I'll repeat it.
All is fair in love and war, that's how the famous saying goes.

If I told you we were out to sea in a bottomless boat,
you'd try anything to save us, you'd try anything to keep us afloat.
And if we were living in a house afire,
I don't believe that you could rush out and escape it and not rescue me.
Take this to your heart and into your head now:
the old wives' tale is true, I'll repeat it.




All is fair in love and war, that's how the famous saying goes.
Listen, I think they were talking to you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to 10000 Maniacs's song "Headstrong" reflect the singer's refusal to be swayed by logical arguments and instead choosing to follow their own feelings, even when they know they are wrong. The chorus repeats the line "Didn't you notice I'm so headstrong," which emphasizes this stubbornness. The singer suggests that the person they are conversing with should call a truce and agree to disagree, rather than trying to convince them to change their mind.


The second verse of the song suggests that the person's attempts to explain their point of view only serve to confuse and anger the singer more, as they are solely guided by their emotions. The singer compares their own resolve to an unbreakable substance, saying "cast in iron, I won't break and I won't bend." They again repeat the idea that all is fair in love and war, implying that the conversation is a battle that requires a winner and a loser.


The song is strongly rooted in the idea of refusing to compromise or be swayed by others, even in the face of obvious danger. It highlights the negative aspects of stubbornness and the importance of being open to different perspectives.


Line by Line Meaning

To your common sense firm arguments
I don't want to listen to your logical reasons for trying to change my mind


I won't listen to your voice of reason trying to change my mind.
I refuse to be swayed by your persuasive speech


I mind my feelings and not your words.
My emotions are more important than your words


Didn't you notice I'm so headstrong even when I know I'm wrong?
I am stubborn and won't admit when I'm mistaken


Take this to your heart and into your head now:
Pay attention and remember this


before you waste your time, call a truce and call a draw.
Stop arguing and agree to disagree


What's the use in mapping your views out in orderly form
Your organized thoughts are useless to me


when it does nothing but confuse and anger me more?
It just makes me more frustrated and upset


You're talking to a deaf stone wall.
I'm not listening to you


the old wives' tale is true, I'll repeat it.
An old saying holds true


All is fair in love and war, that's how the famous saying goes.
Anything goes in certain situations


Open up your eyes, see me for what I am:
Take a good look at me and accept me


cast in iron, I won't break and I won't bend.
I am strong and unyielding


If I told you we were out to sea in a bottomless boat,
If I were in a hopeless situation


you'd try anything to save us, you'd try anything to keep us afloat.
You would do anything to help me


And if we were living in a house afire,
If we were in a dangerous situation


I don't believe that you could rush out and escape it and not rescue me.
I expect you to save me too


Listen, I think they were talking to you.
I think this song is directed at you




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: NATALIE MERCHANT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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