For the entirety of their recording career (1978-1992), Doug & The Slugs consisted of lead vocalist Doug Bennett, guitarists Rick Baker and John Burton, keyboardist Simon Kendall, bassist Steve Bosley and drummer John "Wally" Watson. Most of the Slugs left the band after 1992 (Kendall stayed until 1994); after this time, Bennett toured with an ever-rotating cast of new musicians, still billing the act as Doug & The Slugs.
Take It Or Leave It
Doug and the Slugs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to leave it behind
I know if I let it go I might miss that one time show
I would leave it behind break my mind
Sometimes when I'm not so tough feel like I've had enough
I want to leave it behind
If I go I'd never know things could change and rearrange
I'd leave it behind it would break my mind
And you shouldn't ever know
When it's come your time to go
I think I realize I got to stay to make it better
I can't leave it behind
I will try hard to see a better world waiting for me
I won't leave it behind blow my mind
And you shouldn't ever know
When it's come your time to go
Someday it will be okay got to stay if I want to play
I can't leave it behind
Things might just turn around if I stay above the ground
I won't leave it behind might blow my mind
And you shouldn't ever know
When it's come your time to go
The lyrics of "Take It or Leave It" by Doug and the Slugs reflect the inner struggle of the singer who lives in a chaotic world and contemplates whether to continue enduring it or to leave it all behind. The opening lines indicate the singer's desire to escape from this crazy world, but there's a hesitation as they fear they might miss out on something important. However, the lyrics also mention that there are times when the singer feels worn down and wants to leave it all behind. They acknowledge that leaving would bring a sense of relief but also the risk of breaking their mind.
Throughout the song, there is a conflicting sentiment between wanting to escape and feeling the need to stay and try to make the world better. The lyrics suggest that the singer realizes that leaving may not necessarily lead to a resolution or improvement. They express the intention to try harder and envision a better world, which drives them to stay. The final verse emphasizes the idea that by staying and persevering, things may ultimately turn around.
Overall, the lyrics of "Take It or Leave It" convey the internal struggle between escapism and the determination to make a positive change in a troubled world. It reflects the complexity of emotions and the difficult decisions one faces when confronted with challenging circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I live in a crazy world where everything seems unfurled
I reside in a chaotic and unpredictable world.
I want to leave it behind
I desire to escape from this world.
I know if I let it go I might miss that one time show
I understand that if I let go, I may miss out on unique experiences.
I would leave it behind break my mind
Leaving it behind would shatter my sanity.
Sometimes when I'm not so tough feel like I've had enough
At times, when I am not strong, I feel overwhelmed.
If I go I'd never know things could change and rearrange
If I depart, I would never witness the potential for transformation and reorganization.
I'd leave it behind it would break my mind
Leaving it behind would cause immense mental distress.
And you shouldn't ever know
You should never be aware of this.
When it's come your time to go
When the moment of your departure arrives.
I think I realize I got to stay to make it better
I believe I understand that I must remain to improve the situation.
I can't leave it behind
I cannot abandon it.
I will try hard to see a better world waiting for me
I will exert significant effort to envision a superior world awaiting me.
I won't leave it behind blow my mind
I will not abandon it and thereby lose my sanity.
Someday it will be okay got to stay if I want to play
Eventually, things will improve, and I must remain if I wish to partake.
Things might just turn around if I stay above the ground
There is a possibility that circumstances will improve if I remain alive.
I won't leave it behind might blow my mind
I will not abandon it and risk overwhelming my sanity.
And you shouldn't ever know
And it is preferable that you never find out.
When it's come your time to go
When the moment of your departure arrives.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, NAVARR ENTERPRISES, INC.
Written by: Doug Kidder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind