Why Don't You
Bella Gotti; Tricky Lyrics

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I fight evil with evil
I fight evil with evil
Believe me how you found me
Take away my self-esteem
Anytime you're ready

You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't

You don't, you don't want to even try

I sleep, but get no rest.
You scheme, but gods know best.
Sick of trying! (Second try!) I was actually dying, oh!
When you drown in your devil's music
I did every need to use it.

You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't want to even try

Trust you if you're trustful
Use you if you're useful
Really smooth, really evil
And if you're here, and that is the reason
Giant strides, twelve tribes
It takes a second to wreck it
Sixty seconds--forget it
I guess you don't hear me though
I guess you don't hear me though

You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't want to even try

I'm not looking yours, I'm looking mine
Looking so quiet but discreet
Echoes to see
On an unsuggested stream, unsuggested mean
Take it to the top, unstable the times
Unstable the walk
And stable the walk
Unbearable, searable, popular demand
From cradle to grave is Abel buried a man
With my moneys and my felons, we conquer a clearance
Building extensions of potential

But I guess you don't hear me though

You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't want to even try
You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't want to even try

You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't want to even try

You don't, you don't

You don't, you don't
You don't, you don't want to even try

Overall Meaning

Tricky's song "Why Don't You" tackles the theme of fighting evil with evil, in a world where people can't be trusted. The repetition of "I fight evil with evil" highlights the hopelessness of the situation and suggests that sometimes there is no other way out. The lyrics go on to describe a relationship that is toxic and damaging, where the singer feels like he's drowning in his partner's "devil's music". He's sick of trying to make it work, but can't escape the cycle of abuse.

The chorus, which repeats "You don't want to even try" suggests a feeling of desperation and frustration. The singer feels like he's giving everything he has, but his partner is not reciprocating. The further description of the person as "smooth" and "evil" suggests that they might be intentionally manipulating the singer.

The last verse describes the singer's attempts to build a better life, but despite his efforts, he still feels unheard and unseen. The final repetition of the chorus serves as a reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard we try, some situations cannot be fixed.

Line by Line Meaning

I fight evil with evil
I use the same tactics as those I am fighting against in order to defeat them.

Believe me how you found me
Trust that I am who I am because of the path that led you to me.

Take away my self-esteem
Rob me of my confidence and ability to trust myself.

Anytime you're ready
I am always prepared to engage in this conflict.

You don't, you don't want to even try
You lack the willingness or motivation to put in the effort to succeed.

I sleep, but get no rest.
Although I am physically asleep, my mind is constantly at work and unable to fully relax and rejuvenate.

You scheme, but gods know best.
Your plans and actions may be deceitful, but ultimately a higher power will determine the outcome.

Sick of trying! (Second try!) I was actually dying, oh!
I am exhausted from the effort put into this fight and feel as though I am at my breaking point.

When you drown in your devil's music / I did every need to use it.
Although your methods or beliefs may be harmful, I have embraced them as a means of fighting back.

Trust you if you're trustful / Use you if you're useful / Really smooth, really evil
I will only trust those who prove themselves trustworthy and will exploit those who can be useful to my cause.

And if you're here, and that is the reason / Giant strides, twelve tribes
You are here for a purpose, and my actions will take large steps towards fulfilling that purpose with the support of my allies.

It takes a second to wreck it / Sixty seconds--forget it
It only takes a moment to destroy something and it will be quickly forgotten afterwards.

I'm not looking yours, I'm looking mine / Looking so quiet but discreet / Echoes to see
I am focused on my own goals and objectives, and although I may appear calm and collected, there is much happening beneath the surface.

On an unsuggested stream, unsuggested mean / Take it to the top, unstable the times / Unstable the walk / And stable the walk
I am taking an unexpected path to achieve my goals, despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with it.

Unbearable, searable, popular demand / From cradle to grave is Abel buried a man
The intense pressure and scrutiny of public opinion can be overwhelming and even deadly.

With my moneys and my felons, we conquer a clearance / Building extensions of potential
I am utilizing my resources and allies to overcome obstacles and create new opportunities for growth and progress.

You don't, you don't want to even try
Despite my best efforts to motivate and inspire you, you lack the drive and willpower to take action.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADRIAN NICHOLAS MATTHEW THAWS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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