Don't Get Bent Out of Shape
Beck Lyrics


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In '89, I was doin' fine
In '92, the bloodhounds bent on you
Baby had a road map
Now it has been lost
The wind is biting down your neck

Don't get bent out of shape, my friend
No, don't get bent out of shape
Though your heart is all twisted
And every word seems fake
Don't get bent out of shape

Take bricks of shame, you build to live
Hang up some pluck on your ribs
Leave that lonesome shack
And let the waters rise
Otherwise you're choking on your tears

Don't get bent out of shape, my friend
No, don't get bent out of shape
Though you're sick of yourself
And it's too late to escape
Don't get bent out of shape

Cut the crap and cut the beans
Launch your eyeball-like machines
All your grievin' will only make you ill
If time won't kill ya, something else will

So don't get bent out of shape, my friend
Don't get bent out of shape
The heart is twisted
And every word seems fake
Don't get bent out of shape

Don't get bent out of shape




Don't get bent out of shape, my friend
Don't get bent out of shape

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Beck's song Don't Get Bent Out of Shape appear to address the struggles of life and encourage resilience against adversity. The first stanza talks about how things were going well in 1989 but by 1992, things had taken a turn for the worst, and the "bloodhounds" were after someone. This could be referencing someone who is being hunted for something they've done or somebody who is going through a tough time. The lyrics suggest that the person has lost their way, perhaps after having a "road map" to guide them. The imagery of the "wind biting down your neck" paints a picture of how the person is struggling to move forward and is caught up in a difficult situation.


The chorus, "Don't get bent out of shape, my friend, though your heart is all twisted, and every word seems fake," seems to be a plea to those struggling to stay calm and not let the negative emotions get the better of them, even when everything seems overwhelming. The song suggests that, rather than giving in to despair or anger, the listener should create a new path for themselves. According to the stanza that follows, this means taking responsibility for oneself's life and no longer dwelling in self-pity or grief. Instead, the listener should "cut the crap and cut the beans," which maybe means to get rid of negative habits, and "launch your eyeball-like machines," which seems to suggest that the person should embark on a new, vigorous approach towards life.


Line by Line Meaning

In '89, I was doin' fine
I was doing good in 1989


In '92, the bloodhounds bent on you
In 1992, people were after you


Baby had a road map
You used to know what you wanted


Now it has been lost
You've lost your sense of direction


The wind is biting down your neck
Things are hard for you right now


Don't get bent out of shape, my friend
Don't worry too much


No, don't get bent out of shape
Stay calm


Though your heart is all twisted
Even though your emotions are all over the place


And every word seems fake
And you don't trust anyone


Take bricks of shame, you build to live
Don't let your past mistakes define you


Hang up some pluck on your ribs
Be courageous


Leave that lonesome shack
Get out of your comfort zone


And let the waters rise
And face your fears head-on


Otherwise you're choking on your tears
Or else you'll just keep feeling overwhelmed by your emotions


Cut the crap and cut the beans
Stop wasting time and get to work


Launch your eyeball-like machines
Use your imagination and creativity


All your grievin' will only make you ill
Don't dwell on the negative


If time won't kill ya, something else will
If you don't change your ways, something bad will happen


So don't get bent out of shape, my friend
So don't worry too much


The heart is twisted
Your emotions are all over the place


And every word seems fake
And you don't trust anyone


Don't get bent out of shape
Stay calm


Don't get bent out of shape, my friend
Don't worry too much


Don't get bent out of shape
Stay calm




Contributed by Aubrey E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Zachar Art

Thank you very much for this. Quality of sound is very good. Cant believe there are still old beck recordings coming out in 2020 hes totally one of a kind

Greg Swanson

This Beck kid is so good he could open for the Shaggs

Noel White

Thanks for putting this in full on here. It was on this channel i found Golden Feelings. Keep them coming !.

matsl iva

wow "my mind is on you" is amazing

Heaw

@matsl iva one of the best. so good

matsl iva

sounds like early sebadoh

TreezyE83

Heck yeah! Thank you!👍👍👍👍👍

Ben Zielke

Genius

shoDOHC

My mind is on you

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