We Gotta Get Out of This Place
Alice Cooper Lyrics

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In this dirty old part of the city
Where the sun refused to shine
People tell me there ain't no use in tryin'
Now lil' girl you're so young and pretty

And one thing I know is true
You'll be dead before your time is due, I know
See my daddy in bed, he's dyin'

Yeah his hair been turnin' gray

He been workin' and slavin' his life away
I know, we gotta work, yeah
Work yeah, work yeah
We gotta work, work, work, work

We gotta get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there's a better life for me and you

I know it's true
My little girl you're so young and pretty
And one thing I know is true
You'll be dead before your time is through, I know

Watching my daddy in bed he's dyin'
You know his hair been turnin' gray
He's been slavin' and workin' his life away
Yeah I know

That we gotta work, yeah
Work, gotta work
We gotta work, work, work, work

We gotta get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there's a better life for me and you

We gotta get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place

Girl, there's a better life for me and you
And you know it's true

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alice Cooper's song "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" depict a desolate and run-down neighborhood where life seems devoid of hope and opportunity. The opening line, "In this dirty old part of the city, where the sun refused to shine," sets the scene for a place with a bleak atmosphere and a sense of stagnation. The people in this area tell the singer that there is no point in trying to improve their situation, conveying a feeling of resignation and despair.

The singer then addresses a young girl, emphasizing her youth and beauty. He acknowledges that one thing he knows for certain is that she will meet an untimely death. This statement highlights the dangerous and despairing nature of their environment, where life is cut short prematurely. The mention of the singer's dying father, bedridden and with turning gray hair, further emphasizes the toll that this place has taken on individuals, as seen through the hardships endured by the older generation.

The repetition of the phrase "we gotta work" reflects the pervasive mindset among the residents of the area. They are forced to labor tirelessly, slaving away their lives with little reward or prospect of escape. The urgency in the repetition of "work, yeah" and "work, work, work" illustrates their desperation to break free from their current circumstances.

The chorus serves as a rallying cry for the singer and the girl to escape their oppressive surroundings. They believe that there must be a better life waiting for them outside of this place. They are determined to make a change, even if it means undertaking their journey with uncertain outcomes. The conviction in the repeated statement "we gotta get out of this place," combined with the affirmation that there is indeed a better life awaiting them, encourages hope for a brighter future.

Overall, "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" is a poignant and powerful song that explores themes of poverty, despair, and the desire for a better life. The lyrics capture the longing to escape a grim reality and find a more promising existence elsewhere.

Line by Line Meaning

In this dirty old part of the city
In this run-down and neglected area of the town

Where the sun refused to shine
Where happiness and hope are scarce

People tell me there ain't no use in tryin'
Others discourage me, saying there's no point in making an effort

Now lil' girl you're so young and pretty
You, my dear girl, are young and beautiful

And one thing I know is true
I am certain of one thing

You'll be dead before your time is due, I know
Sadly, you'll pass away before your natural lifespan, I'm afraid

See my daddy in bed, he's dyin'
Observing my father's deteriorating health as he lies in bed

Yeah his hair been turnin' gray
Yes, his hair has been turning grey

He been workin' and slavin' his life away
He has been toiling and laboring tirelessly throughout his existence

I know, we gotta work, yeah
I understand, we must engage in labor, yes

Work yeah, work yeah
Work, indeed, work, indeed

We gotta work, work, work, work
We must work persistently and industriously

We gotta get out of this place
We must escape from this environment

If it's the last thing we ever do
Even if it's the final action we take in our lives

We gotta get out of this place
We need to leave this area behind

Girl, there's a better life for me and you
My dear, there's a more promising and fulfilling existence awaiting both of us

I know it's true
I am certain it is the case

My little girl you're so young and pretty
My dear young girl, you are so youthful and attractive

You'll be dead before your time is through, I know
Unfortunately, you will meet your end prematurely, I am aware

Watching my daddy in bed he's dyin'
Observing my father slowly passing away in his bed

You know his hair been turnin' gray
You're aware that his hair has been becoming grey

He's been slavin' and workin' his life away
He has been toiling and sacrificing his entire existence for work

Yeah I know
Yes, I am aware

That we gotta work, yeah
That we must work, yes

Work, gotta work
Work, it is imperative to work

We gotta work, work, work, work
We need to work consistently and laboriously