DI is proud to bring you the band’s 8th release, “On The Western Front”.
Johnny's Got a Problem
D.I. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
He's got static of the brain, outta control
Chippin' every day chipin' deeper and deeper
The girl she looks like a choo choo train
I don't know what you're trying to do, John
Looks to me like you got no brain
Cuz we used to look up to you
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control...
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
He's got static of the brain, outta control
Chippin' every day chipin' for the gipper
Chippin' on chippin' on down the line
Doesn't really matter who you take with you
Just as long as Johnny feels fine
Cuz he used to look up to you
Johnny's got a problem
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control...
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
He's got static of the brain, outta control
Runnin' everyday diggin' your own grave
Until you wise up will you be saved?
Johnny after Johnny you're all the same
You play with fire it's a downhill game
Cuz we used to look up to you
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control...
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
He's got static of the brain, outta control
One more for a different job
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control...
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
He's got static of the brain, outta control
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control.
The song "Johnny's Got a Problem" by D.I. is a cautionary tale about drug addiction and the destructive effects it can have on a person's life. The lyrics depict a character named Johnny who is battling addiction, and has lost control of his life as a result. The "static of the brain" referred to in the song is a metaphor for the confusion and disorientation that comes with drug use. Johnny is shown as chipping away at his life, getting deeper and deeper into his addiction every day. His relationships are suffering, as illustrated by the line “The girl she looks like a choo choo train” which implies Johnny is no longer able to see people for who they really are.
The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “Johnny’s got a problem and he’s out of control” driving the point that addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of their prior standing. The line “Until you wise up will you be saved” is particularly sobering – since the song was written in the 1980s, it is a reminder that drug addiction is still prevalent and there are still people suffering from it.
The song ends on an ominous note, reminding listeners that addiction is a cycle that can be hard to break: “Johnny after Johnny you’re all the same, you play with fire it's a downhill game”. Overall, the song is a commentary on the devastating effects of drug addiction, and a plea for listeners to avoid the same fate.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control...
Johnny is facing a serious problem and it's taking over his life.
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
Johnny's problem has become so intense that he's losing control.
He's got static of the brain, outta control
His mind is cluttered and he can't think straight.
Chippin' every day chipin' deeper and deeper
He's indulging in drugs, going deeper into addiction every day.
The girl she looks like a choo choo train
He's involved with a woman who is causing him harm and leading him down a destructive path.
I don't know what you're trying to do, John
Others are struggling to understand why Johnny is making such poor decisions.
Looks to me like you got no brain
Someone is questioning Johnny's intelligence and reasoning behind his actions.
Cuz we used to look up to you
Johnny was once someone who was respected and admired by those around him.
Chippin' every day chipin' for the gipper
He's using drugs every day, trying to achieve something that is ultimately meaningless.
Chippin' on chippin' on down the line
The addiction is continuing and getting worse as time goes on.
Doesn't really matter who you take with you
Johnny isn't concerned with dragging others down with him in his destructive behavior.
Just as long as Johnny feels fine
His own temporary pleasure and satisfaction is the main priority.
Runnin' everyday diggin' your own grave
Johnny is speeding towards his own downfall.
Until you wise up will you be saved?
There's still a chance for him to turn his situation around by realizing the harm he's causing himself and others.
Johnny after Johnny you're all the same
Many people in similar situations face the same consequences and risk suffering the same fate as Johnny.
You play with fire it's a downhill game
Continued engagement in risky behavior will only lead to more negative outcomes.
One more for a different job
The cycle of addiction and destruction is continuing without any end in sight.
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control...
The song emphasizes the seriousness of Johnny's situation and the urgency needed to overcome his addiction.
Johnny's got a problem he's outta control
The repetition of this line emphasizes the severity of Johnny's problem and the fact that it's taking over his life.
Johnny's got a problem and he's outta control.
The song leaves the listener with the powerful statement that Johnny is in a dire situation that needs immediate attention and intervention.
Contributed by Gavin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@soaceba
We sing this to our cats when they are freaking out running around the place.
@cristianogalassi4541
All the groups of Orange County, Adolescents, D. I., Agent Orange, Social Distortion are very cool, honor to the brothers Agnew, Rikk and Frank, really underrated guitarists , the kings of the octaves! (who plays the electric gt. knows ...)
@FUBAR_JONNY
Gotta love that OC punk sound 🤘🏻
@joel8750
You forgot Alfie.
@jackquiroz9034
Must be something in the water in orange county to make so many great punk rock bands. Fullerton and Huntington beach being the biggest scene. Other parts of orange county had great bands as well.
@whytegroovin
anthemic without being wimpy , D.I is the ultimate rocking punk hardcore stuff !!!
@littlemisssophie12
I've only just found this band.. :O they are awesome!!
@eddiecoyle9152
This song rules!!!
@JamezMorrizofficial
“We used to look up to you”🤣 who was this Johnny and was his fall from grace that epic? I need to know more.
@koldproxy
this song really pumps me up for pogo! and i think im gonna cover this with my band, thats why... thx all for replies btw