Hang on to Your Ego
Frank Black Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They isolate their heads and stay in their safety zone
But what can you tell them
What can you say that won't make them defensive
Hang on to your ego
Hang on but I know that you're gonna lose the fight.
They come on like they're peaceful
But inside they're so uptight
But how can I say it
How can I come on when I know I'm guilt
Hang on to your ego
Hang on because I know that you're gonna lose the fight
And how can I say it
How can I come on when I know I'm guilt
Hang on to your ego
Hang on
Hang on but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
The song Hang on to Your Ego by Frank Black (also known as Black Francis) is a commentary on people who isolate themselves and try to do everything alone, refusing to seek help or support from others. Black highlights the irony of such behavior by pointing out that even those who project an image of peace and calm can have inner turmoil and anxiety. He suggests that these individuals exhaust themselves mentally and emotionally by constantly "chipping" away at their thoughts, yet remain defensive and resistant to anyone who tries to intervene.
Black acknowledges that it isn't easy to reach out to someone who is in this state of mind and warns that it can be a losing battle. He advises people to "hang on to your ego", recognizing that it might be hard to accept help or admit that they need it. Nevertheless, Black insists that this self-reliance is ultimately unsustainable and that there will come a point where they will "lose the fight". He concludes the song by repeating the message to hang on to one's ego, recognizing that this is a difficult balance to strike.
Overall, Hang on to Your Ego suggests that even those who seem to have it all figured out still face challenges and can benefit from the support and input of others. Black encourages listeners to resist the temptation to retreat into their own minds and to seek out connection and community instead.
Line by Line Meaning
I know so many people who think they can do it alone
I am aware of people who believe that they don't need anyone and can handle everything on their own.
They isolate their heads and stay in their safety zone
These people tend to cut themselves off from others and refuse to leave their comfort zones.
But what can you tell them
I am unsure of what advice to give or how to get through to them.
What can you say that won't make them defensive
I'm not sure how to approach the situation without triggering a defensive response.
Hang on to your ego
Keep your sense of self-importance and pride intact.
Hang on but I know that you're gonna lose the fight.
Despite your ego, I know that you will still eventually lose the battle or struggle you're facing.
They come on like they're peaceful
These people may present themselves as calm and peaceful to the outside world.
But inside they're so uptight
However, internally they are anxious and stressed out.
They chip through the day and waste all their thoughts at night
They go through the motions of each day, but struggle to quiet their racing thoughts at night leading to wasted time and lack of rest.
But how can I say it
I'm unsure of how I can express this to them clearly.
How can I come on when I know I'm guilt
I feel guilty because I am unsure how to properly communicate with these individuals.
Hang on to your ego
Reiterating the importance of holding onto one's ego or sense of self-worth.
Hang on
Hold tight, keep going.
Hang on but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
Still expressing the belief that, despite their ego, they will ultimately lose the fight or struggle they are up against.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN DOUGLAS WILSON, MIKE E. LOVE, TERRY SACHEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Leonel Molbert
Lyric:
I know so many people
Who think they can do it alone
They isolate their heads
And stay in the safety zone
But what can you tell them?
What can you say that won't make them defensive?
So...
Hang on to your ego
Hang on, but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
They come on like they're peaceful
But inside they're so uptight
They trip through the day
And waste all their thoughts at night
But how can I say it?
How can I come on when I know I'm guilty?
So...
Hang on to your ego
Hang on, but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
And how can I say it?
How can I come on when I know I'm guilty?
Phoenix Zappa
Frank Black is so talented
Noise Pollution
since
Leonel Molbert
Lyric:
I know so many people
Who think they can do it alone
They isolate their heads
And stay in the safety zone
But what can you tell them?
What can you say that won't make them defensive?
So...
Hang on to your ego
Hang on, but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
They come on like they're peaceful
But inside they're so uptight
They trip through the day
And waste all their thoughts at night
But how can I say it?
How can I come on when I know I'm guilty?
So...
Hang on to your ego
Hang on, but I know that you're gonna lose the fight
And how can I say it?
How can I come on when I know I'm guilty?
The Respected Lex
@Michael Margiotta People who are mentally abused allow someone, or cannot stop them, from crossing their ego boundaries.
Michael Margiotta
@The Respected Lex What do you mean by that?
The Respected Lex
@Norm Appleton But you need to remedy porous ego boundaries. Do you concur?
Norm Appleton
It's like advice from L. Ron Hubbard.
Rob spear
one of my favorite performers. Thank you Frank Black.
Jesus Lopez
I’m in love with this mans voice
My favorite male vocalist
DamagedBug88
one of the best covers ever!