Off Your Knees
F-Minus Lyrics


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If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. that's what they're telling me. but I ain't ever goin' back there. back down on my fucking knees. time is running out. what have you got? they use you till you're wasted. your scared and pretend you don't see. they use you cause you let them. scared just like I used to be. you know technology's a weapon. got my finger around a trigger. this axe swings both ways you see. and we're onto something bigger.




Overall Meaning

The lyrics of F-Minus's song Off Your Knees seem to be a steadfast call to action for the listener. It begins with a phrase often used as a coping mechanism: "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." However, the phrase is not being used here as a suggestion to give up, but rather as an acknowledgment that sometimes the establishment seems too powerful to overthrow. Nevertheless, the singer asserts that they are not going back down "on [their] fucking knees." This line can be seen as a metaphorical reference to the idea of giving in and accepting the status quo. The singer rejects this idea, insisting that time is running out and one cannot waste what they have left by being subservient.


The lyrics then turn to an exploration of power dynamics and exploitation. The chorus makes it clear that those in power are not above abusing their position, but rather depend on their subordinates letting them get away with it. The singer asserts that they are not afraid to take a stand, pointing out that technology can be a weapon that can be used to level the playing field. With a finger on the trigger and an axe that can swing both ways, the singer hints at a revolution that is brewing. The last line of the chorus, "we're onto something bigger," suggests that these small acts of rebellion are part of something greater than ourselves.


Line by Line Meaning

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. that's what they're telling me.
People are suggesting I join the oppressive group because I can't defeat them alone.


but I ain't ever goin' back there. back down on my fucking knees.
I refuse to be submissive again and will not return to a powerless state.


time is running out. what have you got?
There is limited time to make a change, and we must act now to make a difference.


they use you till you're wasted. your scared and pretend you don't see.
The oppressive group takes advantage of your vulnerabilities and fear, and you pretend not to notice.


they use you cause you let them. scared just like I used to be.
The oppressors use you because you allow them to, and you're scared just as I once was.


you know technology's a weapon. got my finger around a trigger.
Technology can be used as a powerful tool, and I have the power to use it to my advantage.


this axe swings both ways you see. and we're onto something bigger.
I have the ability to use force against oppressors, and we are working towards a greater goal.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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