Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
The One
Blues Traveler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on you've got to let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
If I go there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So won't you come on and let me know
Should I stay or should I go?
It's always tease tease tease
You'll have me when I'm on my knees
One day it's fine, the next it's black
So if you want me off your back
Won't you come on and let me know, let me know
Should I cool it or should I blow?
This indecision's bugging me
Please, baby, please, set me free
I don't think I can repel off your attack
So if you want me off your back
Won't you come on and let me know
Should I cool it or should I blow?
The lyrics to “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by Blues Traveler (originally performed by The Clash) depicts a relationship filled with ambiguity and uncertainty. The singer is in a state of confusion and is seeking a clear answer from their partner regarding the status of their relationship. The repetition of the question “Should I stay or should I go?” serves as a reflection of the singer’s anxiousness as they await a response from their partner.
The lyrics also illustrate the power dynamic in the relationship. The partner is depicted as one who holds the power and control over the singer’s emotions; “It’s always tease tease tease, you'll have me when I'm on my knees.” The singer is at the mercy of their partner’s whims and is unsure of how to proceed. The urgent plea in the line “Please baby please, set me free” illustrates the overwhelming feeling of being trapped and unsure of how to move forward.
The lyrics in “Should I Stay or Should I Go” are a common theme in many relationships. The fear of the unknown and the desire for clarity can leave individuals feeling vulnerable and exposed. The song effectively captures the sense of helplessness one can feel when uncertain of their relationship status.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on you've got to let me know
I need you to make a decision and tell me what you want.
Should I stay or should I go?
Do you want me to leave, or do you want me to stay?
If I go there will be trouble
Leaving will create problems.
And if I stay it will be double
Staying will create even more problems.
So won't you come on and let me know
Please make a decision and tell me what you want.
Should I stay or should I go?
Do you want me to leave, or do you want me to stay?
It's always tease tease tease
You always play games with me.
You'll have me when I'm on my knees
You only want me when I'm vulnerable and helpless.
One day it's fine, the next it's black
One moment everything seems ok, the next it's a disaster.
So if you want me off your back
If you want me to leave you alone..
Won't you come on and let me know, let me know
Please make a decision and tell me what you want.
Should I cool it or should I blow?
Do you want me to back off or get closer?
This indecision's bugging me
I'm tired of not being able to make a decision.
Please, baby, please, set me free
Please, let me go if you don't want me.
I don't think I can repel off your attack
I can't resist your advances or manipulation.
So if you want me off your back
If you want me to leave you alone..
Won't you come on and let me know
Please make a decision and tell me what you want.
Should I cool it or should I blow?
Do you want me to back off or get closer?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@indiegamelab3441
I'm not sure its saying any of that. It's saying that he/they can write a song that is absolute gibberish, but if the song has a good hook, you will listen to it over and over. The lyrics say over and over the song is just him saying random stuff, but he knows that it is the song's hook that matters, not the lyrics.
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 hook
On that you can rely
@jcnz84
@bryank971 go back a bit further
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
He's warning you he's trolling with the Peter Pan line
@steezyfawkes4459
Anyone here in 2024 listening to this?!
@user-jo8vl5zv5i
Yeah
@melissam5491
I mean He ain't lyin. I'm here too.
@Famousapparatus
Hell's yes
@ThePriceisRightB
Yeah buddy!!
@ikust007
Yup🎉
@whatever
Crazy to think this came out over 20 years ago...
@poketube4200
Did not expect to see you here
@murrothbro195
+whatever People with 3 million subscribers make comments that go completely unnoticed too?
@805Goodland
+Ginger Fitzgerald 2 likes only? Lmao