No Good At All
Badfinger Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't let your mother see you rock
Don't let your mother see you roll
Don't let your mother hear you knocking
Don't let your mother see you go
Don't ever let her see you out of your head
Do you no good at all

Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na

Don't let your brother put you down
Don't let your brother put you on
Don't let your brother hear your barking
Don't let your brother see you go
Don't ever let him see you out of your head
Do you no good at all

Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na

Na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na




Na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Badfinger's song "No Good At All" seem to be addressing someone who is struggling to fit in and gain approval from their family. The repeated refrain, "Don't let your mother/brother see you out of your head," suggests that the person is feeling judged and criticized for their behavior or perhaps for being themselves. The admonition to not let their mother see them "rock" or "roll" could be a reference to engaging in "unacceptable" music or lifestyle choices, while "Don't let your brother hear your barking" might imply that the person is being told to hide their authentic self and not express themselves too loudly or overtly.


Overall, the song seems to have a somewhat melancholic tone and a sense of resignation or frustration. The repetition of the "na na na" refrain creates a somewhat haunting effect, emphasizing the sense of isolation and loneliness that the person feels. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is struggling to find their place in the world, and who feels like they are constantly being judged and criticized by those they love.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't let your mother see you rock
Do not let your mother witness you engaging in rock music or its culture


Don't let your mother see you roll
Avoid having your mother seeing you dance exuberantly or in a manner associated with rock music


Don't let your mother hear you knocking
Be discrete in your actions or in your approach to others, lest your mother will become aware


Don't let your mother see you go
Make sure that your mother does not observe you when you depart from home or when you head out for any purpose


Don't ever let her see you out of your head
Avoid experiencing altered states of consciousness or other behaviors that could be perceived as reckless or dangerous by your mother


Do you no good at all
Such behaviors will not benefit you in any way, and may even result in negative consequences


Don't let your brother put you down
Do not allow your brother to insult, belittle, or disparage you in any way


Don't let your brother put you on
Do not fall for your brother's pranks, jokes, or attempts to get a rise out of you


Don't let your brother hear your barking
Do not reveal to your brother that you are upset or angry, as it may invite further teasing or ridicule


Don't let your brother see you go
Avoid leaving your brother's presence abruptly, as it may be interpreted as a sign of weakness or defeat


Don't ever let him see you out of your head
Do not behave in a manner that would suggest you are mentally off balance or not in control when in the presence of your brother


Do you no good at all
Such behaviors will not benefit you in any way, and may even result in negative consequences




Contributed by Hunter V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Anthony Ferrario

One of my all time favorite bands. I grew up in a Beatles household! I'm 30 years old. They had no idea how big they really were. It's so sad they got wrapped up with the slimy crooked manager that took them for everything.... They needed to stay home at Apple. It makes me cry when I hear about how much this band has done and still continues to do..

More Versions