T-Shirt
Foo Fighters Lyrics


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I don't wanna be king
I just wanna sing a love song
Pretend there's nothing wrong
You can sing along with me
I don't wanna be queen
Just trying to keep my t-shirt clean

There's one thing I have learned
If it gets much better
It's going to get worse

And you get what you deserve





And you get what you deserve

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Foo Fighters' "T-Shirt" are a reflection of the band's ongoing struggle for fame, fortune and recognition while trying to remain grounded in their humble beginnings. The opening lines "I don't wanna be king, I just wanna sing a love song" are a testimony to the band's desire for simplicity and love in a fame-obsessed world, where the pressure to shine and succeed is overwhelming. The line "Pretend there's nothing wrong, you can sing along with me" speaks to the band's ability to use music as a means for escapism and the importance of shared experiences in the face of turmoil.


The second half of the song speaks to the danger of success, with the ominous line "There's one thing I have learned, if it gets much better, it's going to get worse". This line is a reminder that success often comes with a price, and with great success comes greater challenges. The refrain "And you get what you deserve" is a dark, self-reflective take on the idea of karma, suggesting that the band's success is just as much a result of their hard work as it is of their own shortcomings.


Overall, "T-Shirt" is a candid and introspective song that captures the essence of the Foo Fighters' experience as a band. It speaks to the joy, the struggle, and the vulnerability of being a musician, and invites us all to sing along with the band on their journey.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't wanna be king
I do not desire to be the ruler


I just wanna sing a love song
All I wish is to sing a song of love


Pretend there's nothing wrong
Act as if everything is perfect


You can sing along with me
You may sing with me


I don't wanna be queen
Being the monarch does not interest me


Just trying to keep my t-shirt clean
I am simply trying to keep my shirt spotless


There's one thing I have learned
I have discovered one thing


If it gets much better
If the condition improves vastly


It's going to get worse
Things are likely to turn worse


And you get what you deserve
You receive what you are entitled to




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Rami Jaffee, Odie Hawkins, Chris Shiflett, George Ruthenberg, Nate Mendel, David Eric Grohl

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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