Powerless
Flaming Lips Lyrics


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Honey, you're just paranoid
You should do what you enjoy
No one is ever really powerless
That's what she said when she gave me a kiss
No one is ever really powerless
Now I think I know what that really is

It only happens if you try
Pain and pleasure both get you high
No one is ever really powerless
That's what she said, now I can't forget




No one is ever realy powerless
Now I think I know what that really is

Overall Meaning

The song "Powerless" by Flaming Lips talks about the idea of empowerment, self-doubt, and the need for personal growth. At the beginning of the song, the singer is being talked down to by someone else who says "Honey, you're just paranoid, You should do what you enjoy". This person is telling the singer to not worry about their problems and instead focus on what makes them happy, implying that they have some control over their life. The next line "No one is ever really powerless" is repeated throughout the song and seems to be referring to the idea that no one is truly helpless or lacking in control.


As the song progresses, the singer seems to realize the truth in these words. They sing "Now I think I know what that really is", suggesting that they have come to some kind of personal realization. The lines "It only happens if you try, Pain and pleasure both get you high" seem to be saying that there will always be struggles and hardships in life, but persevering through them will lead to personal growth and satisfaction. In the end, the singer seems to have become more self-assured and less doubtful of their own power.


Overall, "Powerless" is a song about overcoming self-doubt and becoming empowered. The repeated line "No one is ever really powerless" serves as a reminder of this fact and encourages the listener to believe in themselves and their own abilities.


Line by Line Meaning

Honey, you're just paranoid
You are excessively worried about something that is unlikely to happen.


You should do what you enjoy
You should engage in activities that provide you with happiness and satisfaction.


No one is ever really powerless
Everyone has the ability to make decisions and take actions that can influence their own lives and the lives of others.


That's what she said when she gave me a kiss
She expressed this idea of empowerment when she kissed me.


No one is ever really powerless
Everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world, no matter how small.


Now I think I know what that really is
After considering these ideas, I have gained a clearer understanding of what it means to be empowered.


It only happens if you try
Success and achievement require effort and action.


Pain and pleasure both get you high
Both positive and negative experiences can be intense and impactful.


No one is ever really powerless
This idea of empowerment is becoming increasingly clear to me.


That's what she said, now I can't forget
Her words have stuck with me and influenced my thinking on this topic.


No one is ever really powerless
The idea that everyone is capable of making a difference is becoming deeply ingrained in my perspective.


Now I think I know what that really is
Through reflection and consideration, I have come to a more concrete understanding of what it means to be empowered.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WAYNE COYNE, STEVEN DROZD, MICHAEL IVINS

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

Stolen Halo

"Honey, you're just paranoid
You should do what you enjoy
No one is ever really powerless
That's what she said when she gave me a kiss
No one is ever really powerless
Now I think I know what that really is

It only happens if you try
Pain and pleasure both get you high
No one is ever really powerless
That's what she said, now I can't forget
No one is ever realy powerless
Now I think I know what that really is"



All comments from YouTube:

Dr. Jeremy Dunks

This album's really incredible. One of their best. Right up there with Clouds and Yoshimi. I love this band's ability to completely alter themselves from album to album. They always sound fresh and new. Bravo, Wayne, you're a damned genius.

Damien Cole

ten years later it still stands out

Merging Marky

Drozd is The Real Scientist tho even bk when he was bashing the drums with Ronald Jones still intact, Wayne's great tho. Usahead😁

DylanK

Soft Bulletin is also top 5

Boardrider93

They have the most unbelievable concerts

JustaPaperbagWriter

Easily one of my favorites off embryonic. The guitar that comes in around 3 and a half minutes in is just fantastic

William J Ellingsworth

this song sounds so good in head phones. this album is really such a blessing. best in ten years I say.

E. James Lange

This video is so simplistic, it's classy. I think one key aspect most people are over looking is that though the girl escapes, her blindfold remains over her eyes. I wonder if she really escaped, then?

notreallybandfromottawa

I love this band.

Stiffkittens Reviews

one of my fave songs from embryonic - it's a real grower! Love what they do with the guitar solo here! The flips seem to have a thing with monkeys recently - first the monkey used on the backdrop during evil on the tour, now this!

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