Cheap Trick is an American power pop/rock n roll band from Rockford, Illino… Read Full Bio ↴Cheap Trick is an American power pop/rock n roll band from Rockford, Illinois that's played for over four decades, and in 2016 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Having gained popularity in the late-70s centered within the Midwest and within Japan, the band members are Rick Nielsen (guitarist and main songwriter), Bun E. Carlos (born Brad Carlson) (drums), Robin Zander (vocals and guitars), and Tom Petersson (bass guitar). Though they have had only flirtations with mainstream national success such as the multi-platinum smash At Budokan, Cheap Trick has held a substantial following through regular touring and a hard-edged yet blissful pop sound that combines the tunefulness of The Beatles with the speed and energy of punk rock, with many musicians and music journalists being fans.

One of the best known American power pop bands, the group's biggest hits over the years include "I Want You to Want Me", "Surrender", "Dream Police", "Don't Be Cruel" (a cover of Elvis Presley's hit), and "The Flame". Their most recent release, The Latest, has gained critical acclaim. They also wrote and performed the theme song for "The Colbert Report" as well as "That 70s Show", both tunes being fan favorites.

Nielsen and Petersson originally formed the group as Fuse in 1967, with Carlos joining the group several years later; however, when Zander joined as vocalist in 1972, the group was renamed Cheap Trick. Zander is considered one of the best hard rock vocalists of his era. For their part, Tom Petersson has been known for playing custom made 8, 12, and even a 18 string custom bass made by Modulus for Tom in 1981 and Rick Nielsen also has a penchant for unusual instruments. He owns and plays a five-necked solidbody electric guitar (it can be seen in the video for the song "She's Tight" among others).

Studio Albums
(1977) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(1977) In Color
(1978) Heaven Tonight
(1979) Dream Police
(1980) All Shook Up
(1980) Found All The Parts
(1982) One on One
(1983) Next Position Please
(1985) Standing on the Edge
(1986) The Doctor
(1988) Lap of Luxury
(1990) Busted
(1994) Woke Up With A Monster
(1997) Cheap Trick [a.k.a Cheap Trick (1997)]
(2003) Special One
(2006) Rockford
(2009) The Latest
(2016) Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello
(2017) We're All Alright!
(2021) In Another World

[Live Albums]
(1978) At Budokan
(1978) Budokan II
(1998) At Budokan: the Complete Concert
(1999) Music for Hangovers
(2001) Silver

I Can't Understand It
Cheap Trick Lyrics

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Oh oh
Oh oh

Back against the wall
But you know the weekend's on it's way
Waiting for the fall
But you know the weekend's on it's way

I got my eyes on you
I see some trouble comin' into view
Don't you know that I'm doin' alright on my own

I can't understand it
What's a matter with you oh oh
I can't understand it
What's a poor man to do, oh oh oh oh oh

Walking down the hall please stop in anytime of day
Let's do more than talk
About the weekend games we play

I set my sights on you
Let's make tonight a deep interview
Don't you know that I'm doin' alright on my own

I ain't out to destroy you, oh
I'm comin' out to enjoy you, oh
It's just a case of paranoia in my brain

I've got my eyes on you
I've got my gun loaded just for two
If you knew my feelings
I'm tellin' the truth

I can't understand it
What's a matter with you oh oh
I can't understand it
What's a poor man to do, oh oh oh oh oh

I can't understand it
What's a matter with you oh oh
I can't understand it
What's a poor man to do, oh oh oh oh oh

I can't understand it
What's a matter with you oh oh

I can't understand it
What's a poor man to do, oh oh oh oh oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Can't Understand It" by Cheap Trick describe a conflicted perspective of someone who is interested in another person, yet feels a sense of paranoia and mistrust. The singer sets his sights on this person, but at the same time, he feels that he cannot understand their motives or behavior. The opening lines suggest that the singer is feeling trapped or cornered, with his "back against the wall." But despite this, he is awaiting the weekend with anticipation, suggesting that he expects something positive to come out of his situation.

The main refrain of the song, "I can't understand it, what's a matter with you," conveys the singer's confusion and frustration. He doesn't understand why he feels the way he does about this person, and is unsure of their intentions. However, these mixed emotions are countered by his desire for connection and enjoyment, as seen in the lines "I ain't out to destroy you, I'm coming out to enjoy you."

Overall, the song speaks to the complex and often muddled experience of attraction and relationships. It seems to suggest that while human connection can be messy and confusing, it is ultimately worth pursuing.

I Can't Understand ItCheap Trick Lyrics

I Can't Understand It
Cheap Trick Lyrics