Green Eyed Monster
10cc Lyrics


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Who's that creeping out of my back door
Don't say he's collecting for the poor
Don't you tell me you're not having fun
The green eyed monster's got me on the run

Phones keep ringing but there's no one there
You never told me why you changed your hair
Someone else's lotion on my side of the mattress
Green eyed monster's got me by the Niagara's

Don't think I'm mad, it's paranoia
(I want what you got)
I'm sad, you're glad
(I want what you got)
I'm hungry for your love
Say the word, give me fever
(You got what I need)
Keep those goodies for me

Midnight shopping is a funny thing
But I'm not laughing, you don't wear your ring
You spend a fortune but your cupboard's bare
The green eyed monster's got his home in there

Somethings cooking at the laundromat
Dirty washing, I'm not having that
Fifteen visits and my threads are bare
The green eyed monster leaves me in despair

Don't think I'm mad, it's paranoia
(I want what you got)
I'm sad, you're glad
(I want what you got)
Hungry for your love
You say, the word, give me fever
(You got what I need)
Keep that something for me

What the hell is happening here
The more I get to know
I find out how much I don't know
Who can I turn to now
When everything I touch
And everything I see
Seems to crumble into dust
You put the evil eye on me

Green eyed monster's driving me insane
And jealous lovers play a deadly game
My fire is burning but you're as cold as ice
The green eyed monster throws a loaded dice

Who's that creeping out of my back door
Don't say he's collecting for the poor
Don't you tell me you're not having fun
The green eyed monster's got me on the run




The green eyed monster's got me on the run
The green eyed monster's got me on the run

Overall Meaning

The song “Green Eyed Monster” by 10cc describes the feeling of jealousy that a person experiences when they suspect their partner of cheating. The lyrics reflect the paranoia and insecurity that the singer feels, as they try to uncover the truth about their partner's infidelity. The song opens with the line “Who's that creeping out of my back door?” which sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The singer feels that their partner is being dishonest, and suspects that someone else is in their home. The chorus of the song repeats the line “The green eyed monster's got me on the run” which refers to the jealousy that is consuming the singer.


The second verse of the song talks about the changes that the singer has noticed in their partner's behavior. They mention a new haircut and someone else's lotion on their side of the mattress, which further fuels their suspicions. The singer also mentions the midnight shopping trips that their partner takes, but their cupboards are still empty. This reveals that the partner may be hiding something from them.


Finally, the song concludes with the singer feeling helpless and isolated. They feel that everything they see is “crumbling into dust” and they are unsure of who they can trust. The jealous feelings they experience seem to be driving them insane, and they acknowledge the dangerous game that jealous lovers play.


Overall, the song provides insight into the darker side of relationships and the way that jealousy can consume a person. The lyrics are relatable and cleverly written, making it a memorable ballad.


Line by Line Meaning

Who's that creeping out of my back door
Who is sneaking around without my knowledge or consent?


Don't say he's collecting for the poor
Don't try to deceive me by making excuses for his presence.


Don't you tell me you're not having fun
Don't deny the pleasure you take in the situation.


The green eyed monster's got me on the run
Jealousy is controlling me and making me feel threatened.


Phones keep ringing but there's no one there
There seems to be a lack of transparency and honesty in our communication.


You never told me why you changed your hair
You are withholding information from me about a significant personal change.


Someone else's lotion on my side of the mattress
There is evidence of another person being intimate with you in our shared bed.


Green eyed monster's got me by the Niagara's
Jealousy is making me feel powerless and humiliated.


Don't think I'm mad, it's paranoia
I am not crazy, I am just feeling suspicious and distrustful.


(I want what you got)
I am envious of what you have.


I'm sad, you're glad
I am unhappy, while you seem content and pleased.


(I want what you got)
I desire to have what you possess.


Hungry for your love
I crave your affection and attention.


Say the word, give me fever
A mere indication of interest from you would excite me.


(You got what I need)
You have something that I lack and desire.


Keep those goodies for me
Don't share your desirable qualities or possessions with anyone else.


Midnight shopping is a funny thing
Late night trips to the store are unusual and suspicious.


But I'm not laughing, you don't wear your ring
I am not finding the situation humorous; you are not displaying the symbol of our commitment.


You spend a fortune but your cupboard's bare
You are spending excessive amounts of money, yet it seems to be on frivolous things or not meeting your needs.


The green eyed monster's got his home in there
Jealousy has taken residence in our relationship.


Somethings cooking at the laundromat
There is something going on at the laundromat that is prompting suspicion or curiosity.


Dirty washing, I'm not having that
I refuse to tolerate or ignore dishonest or immoral behavior.


Fifteen visits and my threads are bare
Your frequent absences or distractions have left me feeling neglected and worn out.


The green eyed monster leaves me in despair
Jealousy is causing me to feel hopeless and miserable.


What the hell is happening here
I am baffled and extremely concerned about the current situation.


The more I get to know
As I become increasingly familiar with the situation or the person, I realize...


I find out how much I don't know
...that there is still much that I am unaware of or uncertain about.


Who can I turn to now
I feel lost and alone, and am unsure who to trust or confide in.


When everything I touch
No matter what I try to do, or what direction I take...


And everything I see
...the things and people that I observe or encounter...


Seems to crumble into dust
...seem to fall apart or disappoint me.


You put the evil eye on me
You have cast a spell of bad luck or misfortune on me.


Green eyed monster's driving me insane
Jealousy is pushing me towards irrationality and mental instability.


And jealous lovers play a deadly game
Jealousy can drive people to dangerous or devastating behavior.


My fire is burning but you're as cold as ice
I am passionate and fervent, but you are detached and indifferent.


The green eyed monster throws a loaded dice
Jealousy manipulates the situation and the odds.


The green eyed monster's got me on the run
Jealousy continues to dominate and control me.


The green eyed monster's got me on the run
Jealousy continues to dominate and control me.


The green eyed monster's got me on the run
Jealousy continues to dominate and control me.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC STEWART, GRAHAM GOULDMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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