Billie Joe Armstrong is best known as the lead guitarist, lead vocalist, and frontman of the popular rock band Green Day.
Elvis Costello specializes in acoustic rock, and has performed with bands such as The Imposters.
No Action
Billie Joe Armstrong & Elvis Costello Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't want to see you 'cause I don't miss you that much
I'm not a telephone junkie
I told you that we were just good friends
But when I hold you like I hold that Bakelite in my hands
There's no action
There's no action, there's no action
He's got the keys to the car, they are the keys to the kingdom
He's got ev'rything you need, it's a shame that he didn't bring them
I'm not a telephone junkie
If I'm inserting my coin, I'm doing just fine
And the things in my head start hurtin' my mind
And I think about the way things used to be
Knowing you're with him is driving me crazy
Sometimes I phone you when I know you're not lonely
But I always disconnect it in time
There's no action
There's no action, there's no action
Every time I phone you, I just want to put you
Every time I phone you, I just want to put you
Every time I phone you, I just want to put you down
There's no action
There's no action
There's no action
Every time I phone you, I just want to put you down
The lyrics to Billie Joe Armstrong and Elvis Costello's song No Action speak to the frustration and longing of a person who is not getting the desired attention from the person they want. The lyrics express a strong desire for physical and emotional distance from the person, representing a feeling of emotional detachment from the relationship. The singer says he doesn't want to kiss or touch the person and doesn't miss them that much. He also mentions that he's not a telephone junkie and that he only calls when he needs to talk. But when he holds his old phone, he feels a sense of comfort, almost as if it has become a replacement for the person he's longing for.
The song appears to be about a person who is pining for someone they used to be close to but has now moved on. The frustration in the lyrics is clear when the singer mentions that the person they want to be with is already with someone else. The singer has feelings of envy and jealousy and is unable to let go of the past. The lyrics show us that sometimes it's hard to accept that someone you care about has moved on and that it's okay to hold onto relics of the past, even if they seem insignificant. Ultimately, the song speaks to the pain and unease that come with unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to kiss you, I don't want to touch
I have no intention of physical intimacy with you.
I don't want to see you 'cause I don't miss you that much
I don't feel a strong emotional attachment to you.
I'm not a telephone junkie
I don't enjoy talking on the phone excessively.
I told you that we were just good friends
I have made it clear that there is no romantic involvement between us.
But when I hold you like I hold that Bakelite in my hands
I am indifferent towards physical contact with you.
There's no action
There is a lack of interest or excitement between us.
Every time I phone you, I just want to put you down
I am annoyed or frustrated when I communicate with you.
He's got the keys to the car, they are the keys to the kingdom
He has power and control in the relationship.
He's got ev'rything you need, it's a shame that he didn't bring them
Although he has everything you want, he is not fulfilling your needs.
If I'm inserting my coin, I'm doing just fine
I am content with a brief conversation or interaction.
And the things in my head start hurtin' my mind
I am experiencing emotional pain or distress.
And I think about the way things used to be
I reflect on past experiences with you.
Knowing you're with him is driving me crazy
I am jealous or upset that you are with someone else.
Sometimes I phone you when I know you're not lonely
I attempt to communicate with you even when I know you don't have a desire for contact.
But I always disconnect it in time
I end the conversation before it becomes negative or frustrating.
Every time I phone you, I just want to put you down
I feel a strong desire to end the conversation when I talk to you.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vincent Del Nero
Simply amazing
Jason Nadle
Costello invented punk, Billie took it and ran with it.
Steve Buroojy
Coming up on the anniversary of this show in Atlantic City NJ....UNBELIEVABLE!!! May 19th 2006
J B
Um, WOW! Awesome!
Thorn Dela
I hope this opened the eyes of lots of young fans. Punk rock has been around for a while!
Pete
Um yeah...everyone knows punk rock started in the 70's
Joe Louis-Arena
@PeteThanks Didnβt know that
pannacotta sweet. D
I'm waiting for this thanks :))
YabbilyDoobily
Billie's reading the lyrics.
Akash Ichagutu
I've never seen this before.