"I Think I'm Paranoid" was written and recorded at Smart Studios during the 1997 sessions for Version 2.0. It was originally titled 'Bend Me'.
Bass on "I Think I'm Paranoid" is by Daniel Shulman, Todd Malcolm Michelles provides the scratching, and the song also contains samples from 'Underfire' by electronic duo Terminalhead.
In keeping with Version 2.0's sonically dense production, "I Think I'm Paranoid" contains over 120 audio tracks.
"I Think I'm Paranoid" was issued as a single worldwide in July 1998. A hit in the US, the song was also popular in the UK, reaching #9, making it the band's fourth consecutive Top 10 hit.
Worldwide, "I Think I'm Paranoid" was backed by B-sides "Deadwood", purged from "Version 2.0" at the last minute, and "Afterglow". "Deadwood" was written and recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin during the 1997 sessions for the band's second album Version 2.0. Driven by an acoustic guitar and moody bass, "Deadwood" is a tale of a relationship gone too far to the point of no return. "Deadwood" appeared on early tracklistings for Version 2.0, however it failed to make the cut for the album and eventually saw the light of day as a b-side on the second Version 2.0 single release. Bass guitar on "Deadwood" was played by Daniel Shulman. "Deadwood" is published by Deadarm Music/Almo Music Corp (ASCAP) and Vibecrusher Music/Irving Music, Inc (BMI). Garbage have never performed "Deadwood" live, although at many shows the song has been requested by attending fans.
"I Think I'm Paranoid" is also featured in the 1998 Playstation game Gran Turismo 2 and as a playable track on the main setlist of the 2007 video game Rock Band.
The video clip for "I Think I'm Paranoid" was filmed on May 22, 1998, and directed by Matthew Rolston in Los Angeles' Occidental Studios. The video premiered in the US on July 12.
The concept behind the video was to make something simple, to contrast with the band's previous effects-heavy video for "Push It", in black and white and for it to be "almost photographic". Rolston used mylar to create effects on-screen, and shot the band in close up, inspired by the cover of The Beatles' album With The Beatles.
The video was modified shortly after its release to soften some of the strobing within the video. The video for "I Think I'm Paranoid" was included on the 2007 Absolute Garbage DVD.
"I Think I'm Paranoid" was first performed live on 15 May 1998 in Combined Locks, Wisconsin on the first date of the 'Version 2.0' tour. It has continued to be a live favourite throughout that tour and also on the 'beautifulgarbage' and 'Bleed Like Me' world tours.
An acoustic version of "I Think I'm Paranoid" has also been performed live. A live acoustic version of the track was also released on the US compilation CD 'The End Sessions Vol 2' in November 1999.
I Think I'm Paranoid was performed live on TV shows TFI Friday, Top Of The Pops, Later with Jools Holland (UK), Fuse Comp'd (US) and Nulle Part Ailleurs (France).
Paranoid
Garbage Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't think I like you much
Heaven knows what a girl can do
Heaven knows what you've got to prove
I think I'm paranoid
And complicated
I think I'm paranoid
Bend me, break me
Any way you need me
All I want is you
Bend me, break me
Breaking down is easy
All I want is you
I fall down just to give you a thrill
Prop me up with another pill
If I should fail, if I should fold
I nailed my faith to the sticking pole
I think I'm paranoid
Manipulated
I think I'm paranoid
And complicated
Bend me, break me
Any way you need me
All I want is you
Bend me, break me
Breaking down is easy
All I want is you
Ah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(I think I'm paranoid)
(I think I'm paranoid)
Bend me, break me
Any way you need me
All I want is you
Bend me, break me
Breaking down is easy
All I want is you
Steal me, deal me, any way you heal me
Maim me, tame me, you can never change me
Love me, like me, come ahead and fight me
Please me, tease me, go ahead and leave me
Bend me, break me
Any way you need me
As long as I want you, baby, it's alright
Bend me, break me
Any way you need me
As long as I want you, baby, it's alright
The lyrics of Garbage's "I Think I'm Paranoid" seem to be speaking of a tumultuous relationship where one person is trying to exert control over the other. The first two lines imply that the singer is disgusted by the attention she is receiving and doesn't want to have anything to do with the person giving it. The subsequent lines say that the person may try to test the singer's limits, but she is not afraid to push back. She acknowledges her own discrepancy in the situation, however, by not being able to keep her mind off the other person, even though she can't stand them.
The chorus is simple and repetitive; it is clear that the singer is not in a stable state of mind, as she questions herself over and over again. She is not certain what exactly is causing her paranoia and complication, but she does feel as though she is being manipulated by someone.
In the final verse, the singer seems to be implying that she is being used for someone else's pleasure, even though it's at her own expense. She is asked to do whatever is necessary to please her partner, including taking drugs to keep her going. She is almost resigned to this fate, however, as she believes that she cannot change her situation and will always want to be with this person.
Overall, "I Think I'm Paranoid" is a song about the complexities of love and relationships, and how they can lead people to do things they wouldn't normally do. It also illustrates the power dynamics between two people and how they can get out of control, leaving one feeling manipulated and paranoid.
Line by Line Meaning
You can look but you can't touch
I am not interested in you and do not want you to get too close to me.
I don't think I like you much
I am not attracted to you and do not want to interact with you.
Heaven knows what a girl can do
Women have the power to do many things, some of which can be harmful.
Heaven knows what you've got to prove
I do not understand why you are trying to impress me or prove yourself to me.
I think I'm paranoid
I feel anxious and suspicious of the people around me.
And complicated
My feelings and thoughts about the situation are complex and difficult to understand.
Manipulated
I feel like someone is trying to control me or influence my actions.
Bend me, break me
Any way you need me
All I want is you
I am willing to do anything to make you happy because I am obsessed with you.
Breaking down is easy
It is easy for me to become emotionally overwhelmed and lose control.
I fall down just to give you a thrill
I am willing to put myself in dangerous or uncomfortable situations just to impress you.
Prop me up with another pill
I am relying on drugs or other substances to help me cope with my emotions.
If I should fail, if I should fold
I nailed my faith to the sticking pole
I am willing to take big risks and put everything on the line for you.
Steal me, deal me, any way you heal me
Maim me, tame me, you can never change me
Love me, like me, come ahead and fight me
Please me, tease me, go ahead and leave me
I am willing to put up with anything, even abuse, just to be with you.
As long as I want you, baby, it's alright
No matter how you treat me, I am willing to accept it as long as you continue to show me attention and affection.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Douglas Elwin Erickson, Shirley Ann Manson, Steve W. Marker, Bryan David Vig
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tackyman2011
Who else misses the 90s?
@amandamclaughlin356
tackyman2011 I was born in 1990, so I grew up with this song and others
@gachakazzy425
Me! I was born in 1999
@thechaosengine3020
Every. Single. Day. Bro. Every single day.
@tejasvibangalore8787
I me myself !!!
@ulisessolis3182
tackyman2011 🙋
@duckpants3766
I was 19 years old when garbage 2.0 came out and this track blew my mind . I'm 42 now and this song still rocks .. Shirley is a goddess......
@vascosoares8763
so true
@stevelumby8260
Me to im 62
@adrianaledezma6920
the same