Do Anything You Wanna Do
Eddie & The Hot Rods Lyrics


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Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who

Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do

Don't need no politicians to tell me things I shouldn't be
Neither no opticians to tell me what I oughta see
No one tells you nothing even when you know they know
But they tell you what you should do
They don't like to see you grow

Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do

Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who

Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you're gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It'ain't you only, you got something to say




Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Eddie & The Hot Rods's song Do Anything You Wanna Do speak to the universal feeling of restlessness and the desire to break out of the daily grind. The singer expresses a desire to leave the city and search for adventure, tired of working day jobs with no recognition. The song is a call to take control of one's own life and not let others dictate what they should do or how they should live.


The chorus is particularly impactful in its message of independence and self-determination. The singer emphasizes that there's no need to listen to politicians or opticians, and that nobody tells you anything even when they know they should. The message is clear: don't let others limit you or hold you back. The repetition of the chorus drives home the idea that you can do anything you want to do, if you're willing to take the leap and go after it.


In short, the song is an anthem for anyone who feels constrained by societal norms or feels like they're not living up to their full potential. It's a reminder to take risks and pursue your dreams, no matter what anyone else thinks.


Line by Line Meaning

Gonna break out of the city
I am determined to leave this city behind and explore other places.


Leave the people here behind
I am tired of being around the same people and want to meet new ones.


Searching for adventure
I want to experience new things and have exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.


It's the type of life to find
I believe that pursuing my desires and passions is the true meaning of life.


Tired of doing day jobs
I am sick of the monotony of regular jobs and want to pursue something more meaningful.


With no thanks for what I do
I feel unappreciated and undervalued for my contributions at work.


I'm sure I must be someone
I believe that I have a unique identity and talents that are meant to be shared with the world.


Now I'm gonna find out who
I am determined to discover my true self and what makes me happy.


Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
You should not let other people's expectations dictate your life. Instead, ask them what they expect from you so that you can consider their expectations as part of your decision-making process.


Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You should communicate your plans and goals to others, so that they can understand your path and offer support if needed.


You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It is okay to be alone in your journey towards self-discovery and pursuing your dreams. In fact, it might even be beneficial to spend some time alone and reflect on your goals.


It ain't you only, you got something to say
You are not alone in your quest to find your identity and purpose. Everyone has something unique to contribute and their own path to follow.


Do anything you wanna do
You have the power to pursue whatever makes you happy and fulfilled in life. Follow your passions and dreams without fear or hesitation.


Do anything you wanna do
You have the freedom to choose your own path and pursue what makes you happy. Don't let anyone else dictate your choices.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: EDDIE LEE HOLLIS, EDWIN JAMES HOLLIS, GRAEME JOHN DOUGLAS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@colossalkhohler4217

Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
Don't need no politicians to tell me things I shouldn't be
Neither no opticians to tell me what I oughta see
No one tells you nothing even when you know they know
But they tell you what you should do
They don't like to see you grow
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you are gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do
Gonna break out of the city
Leave the people here behind
Searching for adventure
It's the type of life to find
Tired of doing day jobs
With no thanks for what I do
I'm sure I must be someone
Now I'm gonna find out who
Why don't you ask them what they expect from you?
Why don't you tell them what you're gonna do?
You'll get so lonely, maybe it's better that way
It'ain't you only, you got something to say
Do anything you wanna do
Do anything you wanna do



All comments from YouTube:

@Spiderwebsider

This is one of those powerful but unrecognised songs that had a profound effect on many of my generation. I grew up in a shitty, bland, English town, I was 17, bored, and working a dirty stinking factory job. I could see a whole crappy, shitty, boring life stretching out in front of me. But this song inspired me to walk away. I joined the British merchant navy, travelled the world, had many exciting adventures, met many wonderful people, spent time in the States, Canada and Africa, and finished up in Sydney. Thanks boys. I owe you.

@simonvive8025

Que buena historia de vida!!! Es increible poder acceder a una pequeña historia de alguien de otra cultura que ni siquiera conozco pero me hace sentir tan cercano. Saludos desde Argentina!!!

@dazzo1469

Wish i'd listened to the message it was giving. I just enjoyed the dancing and atmosphere. Great that you had the insight and concentration to absorb the message. Wish i had.

@gorgon1863

Yeah I hear you I immigrated to NZ in 1994

@idreeskhan8885

Merchant navy? Wait is that the Royal Navy Im confused.

@georgedarleydoran4616

Great story....good on you!!

6 More Replies...

@jasonmathias6834

Just played this song after hearing the passing of steve wright radio dj everyone who listened to him new this was one of his favourite songs RIP steve

@garyroe2929

Jeremy vine just said that today on his show 👍👍

@user-py4bu8hs6c

TEARS overflow. Thank you from Japan.

@Soundeagle3456

One of the most powerful songs in rock n roll.

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