Kerosene
Big Black (Rock) Lyrics


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I was born in this town
Live here my whole life
Probably come to die in this town
Live here my whole life
Never anything to do in this town
Live here my whole life
Never anything to do in this town
Live here my whole life
Probably learn to die in this town
Live here my whole life
Nothing to do, sit around at home
Sit around at home, stare at the walls
Stare at each other and wait till we die
Stare at each other and wait till we die
Probably come to die in this town
Live here my whole life
There's Kerosene around, something to do
There's Kerosene around, she's something to do
There's Kerosene around, she's something to do
There's Kerosene around, we'll find something to do
Kerosene around, she's something to do
Kerosene around, set me on fire
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire
Kerosene around, something to do
There's Kerosene around, find something to do
There's Kerosene around, find something to do
Kerosene around, find something to do
Kerosene around, she's something to do
Kerosene around, set me on fire
Set me on fire, Kerosene




Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire
Kerosene around, she's something to do
Kerosene around, now what do we do?
Jumped Kerosene, now what do we do?
Jumped Kerosene, now what do we do?
Kerosene around, nothing to do
Jumped Kerosene, now what do we do?
Never anything to do in this town
Never anything but jump Kerosene
Never anything to do in this town
Never anything
Jump Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire, Kerosene
Set me on fire

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Kerosene" by Big Black depict a sense of boredom and hopelessness associated with living in a small town. The singer of the song was born in this town, and they have spent their entire life living there. They express their despair over the fact that there is never anything to do in the town, which makes them feel trapped and purposeless. They believe that they will probably never leave the town and will eventually die there.


The song takes a dark turn when the singer mentions the presence of kerosene, which they see as something to do. It is unclear what exactly they plan to do with the kerosene, but it is suggested that they are contemplating something violent or destructive. The repetition of the phrase "Set me on fire, Kerosene" reinforces this idea.


Overall, "Kerosene" is a poignant commentary on the monotony and emptiness that can be associated with small-town life. The lyrics suggest that the singer is so desperate for stimulation and excitement that they are willing to consider dangerous or reckless behavior.


Line by Line Meaning

I was born in this town
I originated from this town


Live here my whole life
I have never lived in any other town before


Probably come to die in this town
It's likely I will pass away in this town


Never anything to do in this town
There are no interesting activities in this town


Probably learn to die in this town
I may acquire the knowledge and skill to die in this town


Sit around at home, stare at the walls
Spend the entire day at home looking at the walls


Stare at each other and wait till we die
Gaze at one another and wait for the arrival of death


There's Kerosene around, something to do
Kerosene is present and can be used as an activity


There's Kerosene around, she's something to do
Kerosene is available as an option for activity


Set me on fire, Kerosene
Ignite me using Kerosene


Kerosene around, now what do we do?
Now that Kerosene is present, what activity can we engage in?


Jumped Kerosene, now what do we do?
We utilized Kerosene, what is our next move?


Never anything to do in this town
There are no engaging activities present in this town


Never anything
Always a void of activity


Jump Kerosene
Utilize Kerosene


Set me on fire, Kerosene
Burn me using Kerosene




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALICE GLASS, ETHAN KATH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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