Drums
First And Last Lyrics


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You and I travel to the beat of a diff'rent drum.
Oh, can't you tell by the way I run
Ev'ry time you make eyes at me. Wo oh.
You cry and you moan and say it will work out.
But honey child I've got my doubts.
You can't see the forest for the trees.

Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not that I'm knockin'.
It's just that I'm not in the market
For a girl who wants to love only me.
Yes, and I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty.
All I'm sayin's I'm not ready for any person,
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me.
So Goodbye, I'll be leavin'.
I see no sense in the cryin' and grievin'.
We'll both live a lot longer if you live without me.

Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not that I'm knockin'.
It's just that I'm not in the market
For a girl who wants to love only me.
Yes, and I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty.
All I'm sayin's I'm not ready for any person,
Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me.
So Goodbye, I'll be leavin'.




I see no sense in the cryin' and grievin'.
We'll both live a lot longer if you live without me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Drums" by First And Last depict a situation of romantic conflict and disconnection between two individuals. The singer conveys a sense of independence and a desire to follow their own path, distinct from the expectations and desires of their partner. The opening lines, "You and I travel to the beat of a diff'rent drum," suggest a fundamental mismatch in perspectives and priorities between the singer and their significant other.


As the lyrics progress, the singer expresses their reluctance to commit fully to the relationship, despite the emotional efforts made by their partner. The lines "You cry and you moan and say it will work out. But honey child I've got my doubts" indicate a sense of skepticism and uncertainty about the future of the relationship. The singer emphasizes their need for freedom and autonomy, suggesting that they are not willing to be tied down by someone who wants to love only them.


The repeated refrain, "Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not that I'm knockin'," serves as a disclaimer for the singer's actions and feelings. It conveys a sense of empathy and understanding towards their partner's emotions while also asserting their own boundaries and preferences. The refusal to be controlled or constrained by another person, place, or thing is a central theme throughout the lyrics, as the singer emphasizes their need for independence and self-determination.


By the end of the song, the singer ultimately decides to part ways with their partner, recognizing that it is better for both of them to live separately. The lines "So Goodbye, I'll be leavin'. I see no sense in the cryin' and grievin'" suggest a sense of finality and acceptance of the situation. Despite acknowledging their partner's beauty and feelings, the singer recognizes that they are not ready for the kind of commitment that their partner desires. The lyrics of "Drums" convey a poignant message about the complexities of relationships and the importance of staying true to oneself.


Line by Line Meaning

You and I travel to the beat of a diff'rent drum.
We have different ways of thinking and doing things.


Oh, can't you tell by the way I run
It's evident in my actions that I'm different from you.


Ev'ry time you make eyes at me. Wo oh.
Every time you show interest in me.


You cry and you moan and say it will work out.
You express doubt and frustration, but still have hope.


But honey child I've got my doubts.
I also have doubts about our compatibility.


You can't see the forest for the trees.
You're too focused on the details to see the bigger picture.


Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not that I'm knockin'.
I'm not criticizing you, just expressing my perspective.


It's just that I'm not in the market
I'm not looking for a committed relationship right now.


For a girl who wants to love only me.
I'm not ready for someone who only wants to be with me.


Yes, and I ain't sayin' you ain't pretty.
I acknowledge that you're attractive.


All I'm sayin's I'm not ready for any person,
I'm not ready to commit to anyone at the moment.


Place or thing to try and pull the reins in on me.
I'm not ready for anyone or anything to control me.


So Goodbye, I'll be leavin'.
I'm saying goodbye and moving on.


I see no sense in the cryin' and grievin'.
It's better for both of us to move on without dwelling on the past.


We'll both live a lot longer if you live without me.
It's healthier for both of us to go our separate ways.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Nesmith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ARDrummer

Great song and great drumming! Very nice work Paul!

@KateKuziakina

so cool drumming! thank you :)

@hungrydrummerjoey3440

Amazing drumming Paul, and a very powerful song that is!! :)

@paulnehls4504

Thank you Joey!

@waltonbrown

You got a natural talent my friend, your vids always good....😀

@paulnehls4504

Churr Doii Drumma Thank you for your kind words!

@drumman190

Fantastic work!!

@paulnehls4504

Thanks for watching William!

@nickwilkinsmusic

Really great job, paul, great playing!

@paulnehls4504

Nick Wilkins Drums Thanks Nick!

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