Damaged
Blue Öyster Cult Lyrics

Wish I was a better person
Desires to be a better and more controlled individual

With more control
Wants to have greater levels of self-discipline

Turn the other cheek
Wants to take the high road and not let negative behavior affect them

But when the punch comes, roll
Admits to not always being able to keep calm in the face of adversity

Wish I was a kinder person
Aspires to be more compassionate towards others

Could see the other's pain
Wants to be more empathetic and understanding towards others

Not overreact, never judge
Strives to maintain a level head and not be quick to judge others

Shrug off the spreadin' stain
Wants to be able to move on from negative experiences and not dwell on them

But I'm a howler monkey
Admits to having animalistic urges and emotions

Moreau's half and half-man
Compares oneself to a science fiction character who is half animal and half human

A panther with its tail in a trap
Feels trapped and unable to fully express themselves

A pumped up pyramid of pulsing glands
Describes oneself in terms of being an overly hormonal and energized entity

I'm damaged, and I like it
Acknowledges personal flaws but embraces them as part of their identity

It made me what I am
Believes that their flaws have shaped them into who they are today

The rest is just a sham
Feels that the facade of perfection is not genuine or realistic

I live for rock 'n' roll
Finds meaning and purpose in music

It thrills me to the soul
Feels a deep emotional and physical response to music

Gee, I told the girlfriend
Addresses a significant other

I was gonna change
Promises to improve themselves

Gonna kick the habit and the taste
Intends to break negative habits and behaviors

Trust me baby, this time it's real
Assures their significant other that their commitment to change is genuine

There's a big part of me I've yet to waste
Believes there is untapped potential within themselves

Don't give up baby, don't turn your back
Asks their significant other to not give up on them

I ain't no wailin' lost cause
Believes that they are not beyond saving or help

I'll toss the pipe and heal the tracks
Promises to overcome addiction or negative behaviors and move forward

As long as you don't mind the blood
Asks their significant other to accept their past struggles

On my hands, drippin' down your back
Uses a metaphor to describe their past wrongs as having an impact on their loved ones

[Damaged] is what I am
Embraces their flawed self-identity

I'm damaged, and I like it
Reiterates that they find acceptance and identity in their flaws

Yeah!
Expresses excitement or enthusiasm