You're Dumb
Black Lips Lyrics


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I know what I want, I know who I am
I feel like a God who let the sunlight in
And if I was dumb I'd know who I am
And if I was you I wouldn't give a damn because, cause, cause

You're dumb and everyone's the same
If I tried I couldn't find enough, go-go!
Well, if I was you I'd know who I am
I wish I could fly just like my Uncle Sam
And I know what I want, well, I know who I am
Falling on the street but I don't give a damn because, cause, cause

You're dumb and everyone's the same
If I tried I couldn't find enough




If all the leaves on the trees were mine
All the space will be free to die, go-go!

Overall Meaning

The Black Lips' song "You're Dumb" is a catchy, upbeat tune that has more meaning than initially meets the ear. The lyrics seem to comment on the idea of self-awareness and identity. The first verse opens with the statement "I know what I want, I know who I am," which immediately sets the tone of the song. The singer feels confident in their identity and sense of purpose. They compare themselves to a "God who let the sunlight in," which could be interpreted as feeling powerful or in control of their life. The next line, "And if I was dumb I'd know who I am," might seem contradictory at first, but it could imply that even if the person was not as intelligent or articulate, they would still understand and embrace their identity.


The chorus then shifts to a blunt insult, "You're dumb and everyone's the same," which feels almost out of place given the optimistic sentiments of the verses. But it could be seen as a commentary on society's tendency to conform and not challenge ideas or norms. The lyric "If I tried I couldn't find enough" could symbolize the idea that even when trying to find true personal identity, one is limited by what society dictates.


The second verse includes the line "I wish I could fly just like my Uncle Sam," which might be a reference to the symbol of American patriotism. The idea of flying could represent freedom or power, which ties into the themes of the song. The final line "Falling on the street but I don't give a damn" reinforces the idea that the singer is undeterred by setbacks and remains confident in their sense of self.


Line by Line Meaning

I know what I want, I know who I am
I have a clear understanding of my desires and my identity


I feel like a God who let the sunlight in
I feel powerful like a deity that can bring light and positivity wherever I go


And if I was dumb I'd know who I am
Even if I were less intelligent, I would still have a strong sense of self


And if I was you I wouldn't give a damn because, cause, cause
If I were in your shoes, I would be apathetic and not care about anything, hence the repeated 'cause'


You're dumb and everyone's the same
You lack intelligence and uniqueness, just like everyone else around you


If I tried I couldn't find enough, go-go!
Even if I made an effort, there wouldn't be enough intelligence or individuality to go around, hence the 'go-go!'


Well, if I was you I'd know who I am
If I were in your position, I would still have a sense of self-identity


I wish I could fly just like my Uncle Sam
I yearn for the freedom and mobility that comes with flight


Falling on the street but I don't give a damn because, cause, cause
Even if I stumble or fail, I still don't care and remain apathetic, hence the repeated 'cause'


If all the leaves on the trees were mine
If I had complete control over the natural world around me


All the space will be free to die, go-go!
It would be meaningless, and hence better for everything to perish, hence the 'go-go!'




Contributed by Caden G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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