Versions

Hook
Blues Traveler Lyrics

I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook brings you back
On that you can rely

There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow

Was that the hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook brings you back (brings you back)
On that you can rely

Suck it in, suck it in, suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin to see
What you're doing to me
This MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me

So desperately I sing to thee of love
Sure but also rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feeling on the shelf
I've tried, well no, in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride till until I've died
And only then shall I abide by this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddies
I wanna bust all your balloons

I wanna burn of all your cities to the ground
But I've found, I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day
Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck

Because the hook brings you back (brings you back)
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook
On that you can rely

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: John C. Popper

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

"Hook" is a song by jam band Blues Traveler, from their 1994 album Four. The song peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song's title refers to a hook in music terminology: the catchy element or phrase of a song which makes it distinctive and memorable. The song's lyrics assert that whatever the singer sings about is effectively meaningless, since the song's musical hook will keep listeners coming back, even if they are unaware of the reason. Read Full Bio"Hook" is a song by jam band Blues Traveler, from their 1994 album Four. The song peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song's title refers to a hook in music terminology: the catchy element or phrase of a song which makes it distinctive and memorable. The song's lyrics assert that whatever the singer sings about is effectively meaningless, since the song's musical hook will keep listeners coming back, even if they are unaware of the reason. In the introduction, John Popper sings, "It doesn't matter what I say / So long as I sing with inflection / That makes you feel that I'll convey / Some inner truth of vast reflection."

The song's own hook is the familiar harmonic structure of Pachelbel's Canon in D, which forms the basic chord progression of the song.

The song also references the story of Peter Pan and his arch-nemesis Captain Hook (a second meaning to the title). In the song Popper also sings "no matter how much Peter loved her, what made the Pan refuse to grow, was that the Hook brings you back".

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

zachman893

11w↑18

It doesn't matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks
Because the hook brings you back (brings you back)
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook brings you back
On that you can rely
There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow
Was that the hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook brings you back (brings you back)
On that you can rely
Suck it in, suck it in, suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin to see
What you're doing to me
This MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee of love
Sure but also rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feeling on the shelf
I've tried, well no, in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride till until I've died
And only then shall I abide by this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddies
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn of all your cities to the ground
But I've found, I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day
Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck
Because the hook brings you back (brings you back)
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook
On that you can rely

Tristan campos

11w↑2

So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks

Because the hook brings you back (brings you back)
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook brings you back
On that you can rely

There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow

Was that the hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook brings you back (brings you back)
On that you can rely

Suck it in, suck it in, suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin to see
What you're doing to me
This MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me

So desperately I sing to thee of love
Sure but also rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feeling on the shelf
I've tried, well no, in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride till until I've died
And only then shall I abide by this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddies
I wanna bust all your balloons

I wanna burn of all your cities to the ground
But I've found, I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day
Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck

Because the hook brings you back (brings you back)
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The hook
On that you can rely

Thomas Marcum

2y↑149

It doesn't matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks

Because the Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely

There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago

No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow

Was that Hook brings you back

I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely

Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also of rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddys
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all your cities to the ground
I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day. Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because
The Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hoooooook
On that you can rely

Songwriters: J. Popper

Kushani Gunawardana

7y↑13

Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also of rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddys
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all your cities to the ground
I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day. Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because

Edi1111o

2y↑660

doesn't matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks

Because the Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely

There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago

No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow

Was that Hook brings you back

I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely

Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also of rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddys
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all your cities to the ground
I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day. Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because
The Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hoooooook
On that you can rely

Johny 5

49w↑2

It doesn't matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks
Because the Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely
There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow
Was that Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely
Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also of rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddys
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all your cities to the ground
I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day. Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because
The Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hoooooook
On that you can rely

All comments from YouTube:

Black Conservative Patriot

3y↑3.3K

Still one of the greatest songs of all time. A 90's classic that will prove to be timeless.That hook will keep brining us back.

JAY co

22w

@[channel invalid, click to learn more] preach ??? Lol 😆 u believe everything you read . Lol

JAY co

22w

@Joshua Cox ?? Using scripture out of context ??? JESUS WAS a man of color but he wasn't black !! Nor was Yeshua a leftist. Lol 😆 🤣

JAY co

22w

@Joshua Cox 😆 🤣 yeah OK 👍

Cristobal Torres

23w

In more ways then one ☝️

Gregg F.

46w

I see what you did there...

183 More Replies...

_Ryan_

1y↑752

The best part of this song is that for years I’ve just been enjoying how good it sounds. Once you pay attention to the lyrics it reaches a new level.

I AM HAS SENT ME

10w↑1

Exactly. This guy is exposing the key to the success of the Matrix.

Annabelle Marx

12w

I love it.. bc the “hook” can be anything.. they are talking about the music industry, political opinions.. whatever Hook you desire.. regardless of what anyone thinks.. it’s beautiful

I M

14w

The lyrics (and video) is about the resolve not to fuck and jack off... I ain't telling you no lie

Zee Hilal

15w

Where have you been 20 years now?

Brian Pechan

20w↑1

It’s embarrassing how long I’ve listened to this song without paying attention to the lyrics.

30 More Replies...

Patrick C

1y↑442

As a young teen I didn't appreciate Blues Traveler enough during their 90's peak. Now 41 they're one of my faves, this song summarizes it all for me 😌

Ron Doiron

11w

Truth

Matthew

20w

Xennial reporting for duty

Tanya Archuleta

22w↑1

I loved Blues Traveler even back then.

Mike L

23w↑1

Foxwoods giving free tickets. I’ll be going

Jimmy Langis

28w↑1

39 buddy, and couldn't agree more!

25 More Replies...

Noah Mann-Engel

50w↑250

Unironically one of the best songs ever written, one of the funniest, and also one of the most terrifying. Popper was a genius here.

Annabelle Marx

12w↑1

@KetcherInTheRy well said

KetcherInTheRy

12w

@Annabelle Marx the song is about the song

Annabelle Marx

12w

It’s too good.. love it.. kinda think about the lyrics as the music industry

Annabelle Marx

12w

These guys were rappers.. no doubt..

Scott Greenberg

16w↑1

But also it's just Pachelbel lol.

5 More Replies...

DJ Jukeboxhero

49w↑512

The most self aware song ever...it straight tells you it's gonna hook you.

Brien, maybe.

10w

Self-aware of what? The ego or ones true nature?

OneWorldAwakening

17w

This song brings you back - to the year it came out and to the song. Genius.

Mr0rris0

25w

It was like 50 comments or something

Mr0rris0

25w

They slaughtered this thread lol

Mattastic Mattattack

25w↑2

This song has been play 312 times in a row in my head phones, send help

7 More Replies...

Joey Teter

2y↑1.5K

Still one of the most underrated vocalists of our time. Dude can belt

ROY designated DESIGNS

10w

@Mother Ship I'm glad to hear that, I've only heard the opposite from others who had the pleasure (or displeasure) of meeting him.

Marcel Fontana

11w

kkkk

Shane Allen

23w↑2

The man has serious pipes. People with half the talent , or none, have had twice the commercial success. Our world makes no sense sometimes.

Tom Walker

27w

@Joey Teter Literally here because I've heard 3 different people bring him up in conversation in the last week... and I never really listened to his stuff as it's very far out off from my personal tastes. Not a fan of his music personally.. but I'd say he's rated about as highly as he should be. If anything I think he's rather overrated. I mean you can go right now and look up covers of his songs and find dozens of better versions. He's not really "great" he's just different. He's the best of a subgenre of 1.

Tyler Schaben

27w↑1

Agreed

68 More Replies...

bigbassjonz

14w↑22

One of the most brilliant songs every written.

Grant Moore

1y↑120

30 years later, the hook is still bringing me back.

Alvaro Fraga

19w

alimetando os egos deles

zachman893

11w↑18

zachman893

@Christina Acevedo ohhh ok I understand. I haven’t heard of Alta vista in yearsssss. I used to look up lyrics to every song I ever heard and loved! Good memories :)

Christina Acevedo

9w↑1

@zachman893 sorry not much english, just saying that at that time song came I use to go to altavista (one of the main search engines at that time) to search for lyrics and that when i saw your commebts it remembers me searching for the lyrics and printing them so i could learned it

zachman893

@Christina Acevedo didn’t do what? I don’t completely understand your original comment, but I googled the lyrics, and copy and pasted them if that’s what you’re asking, 👍

Christina Acevedo

@zachman893 you didn’t do that?

zachman893

@Christina Acevedo yeah?

2 More Replies...

T Greetsy

49w↑96

This was my dads favorite song. He used to listen to it on repeat in his lazy boy as he lost his ability to eat. He took so much joy in this song. RIP Dad ❤

Nick Yurick

12w

My late father was a fan of BT as well. Remember giving him this album for his birthday when it came out and always associate it with family car trips back then. It's great how many happy memories it's associated with now.

Jairo Pinto

16w

completei minha list

kyle albrecht

20w

Be well

Thicc

25w

L🎉

Joe Holmes

29w↑5

Sorry for your loss T Greetsy and Lila. Lost my dad in 2013. We bonded over music when I was a kid. Mostly Motown and Doowop. Music is such a powerful thing. Closest thing we've got to a time machine.

6 More Replies...

Brian Teel

9w↑3

By far one of the best songs of the 90s. Top 10 easy, if not 5.

Stephanie

21w↑9

It doesn't matter how old I get, this song always brings a smile to my face a reminds me of simpler times

sonny johnson

14w↑1

Agree , funny back then , we did not refer to them as simpler times .. goes to show that life goes from bad to worst

joe derosier

37w↑56

That harmonica solo is what brings me back no matter how bad a day that solo just melts it away

Mark Martin

34w↑1

Man he can blow! Harmonica and vocals. It will melt away what ails ya.

Laura Malek

34w↑1

Right? I love a great harmonica and Popper is SO one of the absolute best.

Veritas Libertas

12w↑9

Such a great song, and that harmonica solo is absolute FIRE. Gives me chills every time. Get it, big fella!

Tom C

12w

Agreed. The scat/rap interlude starting at about 3:07 is also a great bit

Matthew Lineberry

2y↑185

As a teenager, I loved this song and I mistakenly sang the chorus as "the heart brings you back", never knowing that the song was about people just like me.

Jasmin Centeno

26w

Thank you! I've heard this song for what, 20 years already? Thought it was heart this whole time lol.

Minimah Billings

27w

Yes indeed Matthew.☝🏽🎶💕 Right back.

Jesus Prieto

29w↑1

@A Stranger Here

Jesus Prieto

29w↑1

@Lila Feldman k

Jesus Prieto

29w

l hmm i
. me
lol uu I'm
I look l

l

15 More Replies...

jerrettreedjr

49w↑50

Damn good song. The vocals, music, and lyrics are perfect.

Mostlyharmless1985

It’s pachabel. The entire song is mocking you and straight telling you it’s garbage, derived, and lazy. It’s a giant middle finger. I don’t know how people keep missing that…

Annabelle Marx

28w↑2

It’s a gorgeous song.. favorite part.. harmonica, tight guitar solos.. but the duet.. they are rapping!! The lyrics are so tight.. Never get tired of this song!! Xx j

SaigonKT

47w↑1

guitar riffs got me.

Tristan campos

11w↑2

Rolly Penny

2y↑24

They don’t make music like this anymore…sad..and not to many vocalist could even come close to this ..so talented..#90s

Billy Crawshrimp

10w

yall oughta look a bit harder

Gwildor

29w

I was just telling my mum this. It's not whether the songs today are good or bad...they just sound all the same. Every decade from the 60s-90s had a different style of pop music but bands and solo artist all had their unique style as well.

Superb Lyrebird

3y↑2.9K

This song is like a magician telling you how he does his trick...and then still fooling you

Chris Zablocki

@Robert Britt ...or so the germans would have us think...

Robert Britt

More like fooling himself because he enjoys singing it and it's his favorite song...he never says why or that is a negative.

Chris Zablocki

10w

Well said

Jesse

12w↑1

Whoa. Beautiful.

Chad Davis

12w

@Daniel Son karate here Karate never here this guy does the Trump dance 20 years before him? Don't deny a true profit. Lol.

112 More Replies...

Santee Bandit

29w↑11

Just can never get enough of this song…it just resonates, and hits so deep with me. ❤️❤️❤️

joe scott

20w↑10

Such an underrated band, one of the best 👌

cha-cha

40w↑32

I can't believe even at this year, the same feeling I felt when I was young while listening to this is still being felt whenever I come back to this song. Classic. Timeless.

Derek Blayer

35w

Agree 110%

Mike's Tool & Nail

25w↑4

I have played harp for 20 years, still can't get close to this.

Micah Philson

10w↑4

When I heard this song for the first time today, I almost thought that was Jack Black absolutely going at it, yet this song was released the same year Tenacious D was even founded!
Then you find out how satirical this song is, and listening again how incredible this dude's voice is and how wildly talented he is on the harmonica, this song is freaking fire! I already loved this band, now I respect them even more!

Wavedancer Westerly fulmar

41w↑19

My eldest son discovered this amazing song and infected my brain with it by singing it when visiting at the weekend.
I’m hearing this in my sleep now love it

Da Luxury

47w↑30

The Blues Traveler was my dad's favorite band and I didn't know why, I just pushed it along and thought nothing of it. Always turned it off. I started to realize how great this band was when I heard run-around and but anyway. This song takes the cake, not only for its great music and lyrics - but for how the song unites people. So many people get united through this song, it even let some people to be at peace with themselves. It is crazy how much just a song unites people.

Cameron Russell

10w↑1

I was in middle school when this song came out. The nineties were the best time. Brings back good memories.

Thomas Marcum

2y↑149

It doesn't matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks

Because the Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely

There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago

No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow

Was that Hook brings you back

I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely

Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also of rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddys
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all your cities to the ground
I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day. Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because
The Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hoooooook
On that you can rely

Songwriters: J. Popper

Valentina Rose

22w↑1

J Popper is a friggin Genius!

Ryan Williams

27w

Thanks for posting lyrics just clicked

frederickjeremy

28w↑5

I just understood the lyrics of this song after not having heard it for 30 years might near. It never made sense enough i could piece together and understand. After reading the lyrics i now see the genius and deepness of the song and he is in fact telling no lie.

Dat One Rad Dad

42w

Thanks!

James Blank

43w↑5

@Thomas Marcum Thanks for posting the lyrics...This was some true Rap GOD Shit. Awesome

Comrade_Dornish

18w↑9

My cat passed away three years ago, November 2019, he was 20 years old and a trooper.. this song was on constantly as it calmed me whenever I drove him to the vet. When the day finally came this song was on not once but twice on the radio.. I realized this was my little buddies song!

RIP Pepito! <3

I still mourn you, my old friend, I hope to see you on the other side!

Brandon Bachman

16w

So sorry for your loss, I’ve never had good luck with my fellow feline family. I try to take the utmost care of the ones I have now, hope you’re able to find peace and begin a new family! ❤️❤️

rabidporcupine0

14w↑1

Ok, so this is pretty much the first time I've ever heard of these guys, and I think I kinda love it. The lyrics are clever, and they're all super talented, so I'm kinda depressed by the fact that it sounds like they don't really do much these days. Is it just me though, or does the lead singer sound weirdly similar to Jack Black? I mean don't get me wrong, I mean that as an entirely positive thing, but I can't get the connection out of my head after I made it, you know?

Michael Conn

10w↑1

One of the most underrated bands to have ever existed.

Shawn O'Connor

30w↑6

Still an amazing song after all these years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Timothy Graham

13w

I mean, it's a song not a car. It's hardly going to deteriorate as it ages.

James Hood

1y↑4

This song was way ahead yet way behind its time. Timeless classic

Billson

11w↑1

This song never get old bruh 💕 it since day one when it came out ❤️

Al gansk

45w↑5

This song is brilliant, it’s complex with great lyrics and , more importantly, it has soul and feeling. Bravo!

versatilejams

18w↑4

This song never really gets old. It takes a good songwriter to make a song about hooks that hooks you. The song is the epitome of itself, in the best way possible. I’ve got to see John Popper live, I bet it’s a great show.

RJA

2y↑275

The level of harmonica skill this guy had was unparalleled

SHINNING LIGHT MINISTRY

14w

Right? Doesn't even sound like a harmonica

flamitaz

23w

I think that's an added bonus gift john has! His true gift, i feel is his melisma, almost wants to cross over to yodeling and one can't even tell. You have to REALLY listen to hear it. It's so subtle, almost perfect!

sgtpepper1138

26w

Toots Thielemans was great as well, totally different style than John, but really good.

Tim Proffit

27w

FoChizzal

Just Cause

27w↑1

Had? Uh… did I miss something?

12 More Replies...

Will

20w↑1

I will never, not love this song- It speaks to my soul like lost love and French fries!

rodney1238

11w

yes they got it! keeping that flow going great sound.....sweeet

Vibal Wave

2y↑6

This is easily the best song in the world, timelessly, infinitely. There are two types of people in this world- those who see, and those who don't. This thing masterfully bridges that gap in the most effective and deliciously snarky way. John Popper is a fucking legend. #90s4ever Greatest musical era of all time.

Ken Bard

Hey beautiful

Joseph Zigler

1y↑4

Goddammit, this is such a GREAT song. I'm mainly a metal guy, but the masterful handling of that harmonica and sweet, sweet, dulcet tones of the legendary John Popper get me every time!! Man, the freakin pipes on this guy!!

DRPyne89

1y↑2

I have this song stuck in my head more often than I care to admit. The hook truly brings me back.

Daily my childhood

48w↑4

That was cool !!!! Love your wonderful voice .❤

Perseus Rex

1y↑3

This song is brilliant. Lyrics, vocals and bass are historic quality!

Dan Gentry

I saw this band live in 2006. Wonderful show!!

Kushani Gunawardana

7y↑13

Daniel Ryan

37w↑4

The lyrics… mesmerizing.

Kevin Forsman

40w↑4

One of the best songs ever recorded!

Bridget Larsen

13w↑1

Well, they've truly hooked me. In my late thirties and I can't get this song out of my head, after all this time.

Poison

1y↑8

Popper's opus. Masterful lyrics. Subtle with many layers of meaning. Truly brilliant.

Dave Geisler

41w↑1

That snare drum cuts right through the mix , I dig the way it sounds !! Maybe a piccolo snare ? Drummers feel free to chime in 👍

Anthony Delgrande

43w↑3

One of the greatest bands of all time even if u didn’t agree with their messages

Word Unheard

30w↑1

I love how the lyrics are basically one big twist. Making it sound as though it's a very meaningful love song, when it's actually about being able to sing any lyrics, as long as the music and lyrics are catchy. Very clever. The hook does bring us back.
It reminds me of Sara Bareilles's Love Song. It sounds like a woman declaring that she's not going to write a love song for the person in her life, when it's actually a giant f**k you to the record label that forced her to write a love song, when she didn't want to. I love all kinds of music, and clever, catchy songs are some of the best out there.

Eric E

1y↑3

This song has to be one of the greatest pieces of music from the 90's. Look up the lyrics if you didn't catch what was said. These guys saw what was coming...

kawasabi1

6y↑2.6K

Its not often you get to say that was a sick harmonica solo

KishaScape

11w

You must not listen to real blues often then.

Burn1Bob

11w

I was just talking to my wife about this. John Popper can make that harmonica scream. I love it. How often do you get a reply on a 5 year old comment?

Suzy CreamCheeze

15w

Lmfao,dude,that shit has me rolling!...true that!

Erik Plug

22w

Check out the harmonica solo in "Boogie Chillen No 2. by John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat. So far I have not found anyone topping that one. Hands down best harmonica solo ever!

1 2

22w↑1

It's called a blues harp

78 More Replies...

Tasslehoff Burrfoot

1y↑1

Have always loved this song and am a huge fan of Arin Hanson's PERFECT rendition of it on Game Grumps.

Alpha Book

35w↑2

I was in my mid teens when I heard this song…about 25 years ago. I loved it. But I didn’t really know the words….until recently I was playing it in iTunes and read the words. I love it more now that I’m in on it. Genius.

DJ ArcForce

1y↑6

Another great example of how damn good 90s music was. Such a great track.

Thomas Walton

Bobby S ..RIP

CrunchyMunchy

33w↑1

One band I'd literally love to see.... not sure how it's taken me till the last 3 years before I'd even heard of them. Great sound. Fantastic vocalist.... they still going?

Bluephish13

4y↑1.7K

This was my Grandpa’s favorite song. He sang it to me as a kid. The day after he died I woke thinking I would be seeing him, hoping it was a bad dream, it wasn’t. I went to my grandmas house and found a CD labeled “Sean” (my name), My first and favorite grandson.
It had this song in it and I started crying.

Rip Robert F. Seiler

October 17th, 1956—January 16th, 2019
Gone, but not forgotten

Rick Eubanks

33w

I hope your pandering that resulted in comments and likes has helped you deal with your grief

Laura Malek

34w

My sympathies. I totally get it. Hotel California was one of my dad's favorites, so hearing that song every time since he's passed makes me pause and reflect - often tears, sometimes a smile. It will get easier. ❤

TINA STEBBINS

♥️♥️♥️✌️😢♥️♥️♥️

Peter Carmeci

Dude… Prayers to you and your grandpa. 🙏

Bela Lugosi

That's quite the story.

95 More Replies...

invisible

15w

Ever so discretely brilliant, though I wish other hits of theirs were attributed equally worthy of credit.

Beth Boza

33w↑1

Yes, perfectly put together, lyrics, sound and awesome video!

A B

50w↑1

unbelievable voice, so musical, great solo

Jennifer

1y↑3

I’d forgotten how much I loved this album. Still holds up.

ivi122

31w↑3

I love love this song! It brings me back to the good old days

Eve K

19w↑1

Great song. Dude has an amazing voice!

German Corro

23w↑1

watching this for the first time in 2022. Absolutely love it!

AHACKS

21w↑4

This is one of the best singers I've ever heard

Hope Is in the ether

2y↑255

This song is simply, utterly, and obviously pure unadulterated linguistic genius.

Dustin Slease

@Qyx what do ya know, music is about the music.

pamtnman

@jodi lupien thank you for looking. I also could not find out who this actor is

jodi lupien

1y↑2

@pamtnman I was being facetious. Dustin Hoffman played Captain Hook in a movie named Hook, with Robin Williams as Peter Pan. ;) Sorry, I was also unable to find the name of the guy who played the politician in this video.

Gnilretsam

Amen

pamtnman

1y↑1

@jodi lupien yeah i saw Paul Schaffer and Ken Ober (who died young). The guy in this video who plays Hook, with the big banner that says "HOOK", is NOT Dustin Hoffman. Maybe you mean this tongue in cheek?

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J. DippolitoMartinez

18w↑2

Havent heard this song in a long time but when that harmonica solo starts man I get chills

Victoria Webster

34w↑3

Got to see them in the 90’s !
Great concert 🎶 🎸💃🏻

Nathaniel Tinlin

25w↑1

I love every song from blues traveler

Alex Layne

1y↑3

I know the song and lyrics are great, but I also just love his voice and harmonica skills, so unique

Edi1111o

2y↑660

DizzzyKipper

45w

I know it was a brilliant song.

jake z

45w↑3

He thought things were pc then. Wonder what he thinks about everything now?

Dhardy

51w

Im 41, never bothered to read the lyrics on paper. It hit deep when I picked apart the song when it first came out and found the message of the song.
It us so much more personal to him once I read on paper in "poem forum"

Ed Dellinger

@Littleathquakes 🤣 Good one!

999manman

1y↑3

White rap from another dimension

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Leandro Alves

33w↑2

O cara toca pracassssss....E canta também........põhhhã, muito bom de ouvir.

Lovely Bean

20w↑1

1:22 I love this man's acting, he really sells his part. In fact everyone in this video killed it

Kitsune Lee

37w↑4

The hook will always bring us back...to this you can be sure.

Patrick noonan

1y↑5

This song will never get old

Nick Hightree

2y↑251

I love the breakdown of the hook. I can’t believe that they actually made a song focused on the hook and how shitty the song can be while still bringing you back based on a good hook. Love these guys and while they haven’t seen the same ‘success’ that is the purpose of this album. Burn the cities to the ground - because the hook brings you back.

madmomminy

36w

@DrTim ! I'd like to expand on this.

madmomminy

36w

Is this song an English major/teacher/lover 's dream?!?!??

Anna L. Vajda

46w

Yeah humorous.

Dave Williford

49w↑4

They wrote this song because they were frustrated about "run around" being a sorta one hit wonder while all their insightful and deeply written songs on their albums went entirely unnoticed...so they wrote this as both a "fuck you" and an experiment...and then it became another hit...so their point was proven

totally not a famous person with a fake name

52w

thanks professor

11 More Replies...

kf5lch

18w

Thanks John Popper and Blues Traveler for the great memories. Takes me right back to Jr high. Good stuff.

Boris Johnson's Lost Comb

47w

Love it! I had tickets to see them with my best friend last year, they had a bus accident, John messed up his leg and they had to cancel the shows. One day I hope I'll get the chance again. I've loved these guys since Kingpin, I was like 8-9 years old when it came out. I'll be 35 this year. Great music is timeless, never matters when it came out

Rainia Ananda

Still one of the best song writers/vocalists/harmonica players/bands of all time! Though they achieved some fame, I believe they deserve way more reverence than they got, and this song is a great example of why. Who else could create a perfect song while making fun of how to make a perfect song?

Johny 5

49w↑2

It doesn't matter what I say
So long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel I'll convey
Some inner truth or vast reflection
But I've said nothing so far
And I can keep it up for as long as it takes
And it don't matter who you are
If I'm doing my job then it's your resolve that breaks
Because the Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely
There is something amiss
I am being insincere
In fact I don't mean any of this
Still my confession draws you near
To confuse the issue I refer
To familiar heroes from long ago
No matter how much Peter loved her
What made the Pan refuse to grow
Was that Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hook brings you back
On that you can rely
Suck it in suck it in suck it in
If you're Rin Tin Tin or Anne Boleyn
Make a desperate move or else you'll win
And then begin
To see
What you're doing to me this MTV is not for free
It's so PC it's killing me
So desperately I sing to thee
Of love
Sure but also of rage and hate and pain and fear of self
And I can't keep these feelings on the shelf
I've tried well no in fact I lied
Could be financial suicide but I've got too much pride inside
To hide or slide
I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide
Of catchy little tunes
Of hip three minute diddys
I wanna bust all your balloons
I wanna burn all your cities to the ground
I've found
I will not mess around
Unless I play then hey
I will go on all day. Hear what I say
I have a prayer to pray
That's really all this was
And when I'm feeling stuck and need a buck
I don't rely on luck because
The Hook brings you back
I ain't tellin' you no lie
The Hoooooook
On that you can rely

Erocksoco

2y↑1.3K

This song is the most expert level of trolls, layers of trolling, the video is just icing on the cake. Goddamn the 90s were magical for music.

Martin Macary

12w

@Joe Calvert Not pissed but vindicated.

alex fleck

51w

Absolutely my man 🤣🤣

Sun City West Christian Church

1y↑1

@Brian Wicker - cool, it obviously worked out for both of them

Brian Wicker

1y↑1

@Sun City West Christian Church apparently so the story goes that the record label demanded another hit pop song after run around...this was their response....

Lynn Conrad

@Brett B I couldn't agree more. However, the 2018-2021 years have not been hard to listen to.

75 More Replies...

Mask Collector

14w↑1

I love how self-aware the lyrics are and how ironically deep they've aged into being.

Ian O'Halloran

37w↑3

Literally just saw these guys like an hour ago incredible performance

Tigercat1976

52w

This song gives me goosebumps, I'd love to hear what some of these hop artists think about John's rhyming in this song, it's quite impressive!! Great tune, still listening in 2022! 🍻🇨🇦🇨🇦

Pinku

44w↑1

Man this song’s been stuck in my head since the first time I heard it.

Susan Murtha

6y↑405

I will never ever get tired of listening to this! If only I could visit the 90's like old people visit Florida.

Romy Taveras

If only I could visit the 90's like old people visit Florida. wow. this line can be a song on its own.

S Brightman

4y↑1

I feel like most of the morons who commented on this missed the basic point of your post in the first place. I was a teenager in the 90s. This song came out my freshman year in high school...& it was a huge part of my high school experience. Back then Blues Traveler toured with the Hoard Fest...& I saw that festival in 3 different cities. Me & a group of high school friends went on the road the summer after freshman year & chased the Hoard Fest for a while. Those were innocent days...& the music of the 90s really is so much more amazing when I go back & listen to it now. Well...I’m 40 now, with a 12 year old daughter of my own...& I long for the simplicity of life back then for my own child...because this world has become a very different place.

aliyamoon80

I'm one of those old Florida people....

T C

Well, the hook does bring you back.

Dreadhawk

San Diego is becoming the new South Beach. I guess Florida is full because there's so many old corpses here looking at their watches and tooth-picking their teeth and anuses, it's out of control! "Aye hare the keys are wunnnndeful dis time a yare!"

23 More Replies...

Tierra Crawford

31w

I will always love this song!!

Mountain news now

1y↑1

His voice and the way he carries it in his own way ! I as in my “party years” when this was famous and first came out and I loved it but now I’m older and I get it understand the words what they mean. SO ITS A MILLION TIMES BETTER!

I can listen to it daily still sing gets ya happy.
Videos great. Wish I could play this good

Crxzy Cxctus

12w↑1

One of the most 90s songs ever❤️

FourOne Two

1y↑3

Have heard this song a thousand times on the radio. Never bothered paying attention to the words. I'm ok with basically being the punchline for all these years 😏

KatMakes

47w

The fact that I love this song so much and had no idea what it was actually about proves it is right. Sick.

ThirstyNerdy

14w↑1

It's been years, YEARS since I've listened to this but I still can do the super fast past near the end there...know every, single word! Lol.

Joe Woe

1y↑1

Such a great embedded message inside a phenomenal song.

Patrick noonan

1y↑2

This song will never get old

JP Stone

2y↑16

Love this song. Wonder how many people actually listen to the lyrics and realize that he is clowning on people and saying that he can say anything as long as he sings with a catchy hook they will love it and he was right. This won a Grammy. So many think this is a love song or some crap.

Carla Madalena

14w

reaparecer ótimo e restaurado

Chris Pancoast

16w

This exact thing won Hitler the support of a nation. Think about that…

Lila Feldman

33w

Yeah, I know. I thought the same thing for a long time.

TalkingToLeedskalnin

He plays the harmonica like a bird sings. The amount of notes and warbles that he is accomplishing, I can't comprehend it. It's the most unbelievable thing I've ever heard.