Josser Bank
Ginger Lyrics


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I was talking
When I should have been listening
I was doing something
When I should have been doing everything
Thought I could do anything
Thought I could get the birds to sing

But I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older every day
Oh, every day

I shut up the monkey
Beat the Devil at his own roulette
I forgave my enemies
Saved my life and I paid my debts
I saw the light
And I came back brighter

But I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older every day
Oh, every day

Well I took the reins
Of the horse with no name
The one I rode in on
And I invited Death to dine
He took off his cap and he smiled
And meanwhile…

I was talking
When I should have been listening
I was teaching
When I should have been learning
I could stop myself from feeling
I could stop that feeling leaving

But I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I couldn’t stop getting older
I say





Fuck off!

Overall Meaning

The song "Josser Bank" by Ginger reflects on the impermanence of life and the inability to stop the inevitable process of aging. The lyrics begin with the singer acknowledging that they have made mistakes in their life by talking instead of listening and doing something instead of doing everything. The singer also mentions how they once thought they could do anything and make birds sing, but as time passes, they realize they cannot stop getting older. This realization is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the theme of acceptance and resignation to the natural progression of life.


The second verse of the song describes the singer's journey to growth and self-improvement. They shut up the monkey, which could be interpreted as silencing their inner critic, and beat the Devil at his own game, indicating they overcame personal struggles or temptations. The singer mentions forgiving their enemies, paying debts, and seeing the light, ultimately coming back "brighter." However, despite all their efforts to better themselves, the feeling of aging persists, as they cannot stop themselves from getting older.


The final verse of the song brings a sense of defiance and anger as the singer tells aging to "fuck off." This adds a layer of complexity to the theme of acceptance, suggesting that while we may not be able to stop aging, we can choose how we respond to it. Ultimately, the message of the song may be that while we cannot control the inevitable process of aging, we can control how we live our lives and face the challenges that come with it.


Line by Line Meaning

I was talking
I was speaking without paying attention to others


When I should have been listening
When I should have been focused on understanding others


I was doing something
I was preoccupied with my own actions


When I should have been doing everything
When I should have been fully engaged in all aspects of life


Thought I could do anything
I believed I was capable of achieving anything


Thought I could get the birds to sing
I believed I had the power to control nature


But I couldn’t stop getting older
Despite my beliefs and actions, I could not avoid the inevitability of aging


I shut up the monkey
I quieted the negative thoughts in my mind


Beat the Devil at his own roulette
I overcame temptation and fought against my demons


I forgave my enemies
I let go of grudges and chose to forgive those who had wronged me


Saved my life and I paid my debts
I took responsibility for my actions and made amends


I saw the light
I gained a new perspective or insight


And I came back brighter
I emerged from my experiences stronger and wiser


Well I took the reins
I took control of my life


Of the horse with no name
Of a situation or circumstance that was uncertain or unknown


The one I rode in on
The one I entered this world with


And I invited Death to dine
I accepted the inevitability of death


He took off his cap and he smiled
Death showed no fear and was at peace


And meanwhile…
While all of this was happening


I was teaching
I was imparting knowledge or guidance to others


When I should have been learning
When I should have been open to new knowledge and experiences


I could stop myself from feeling
I was able to control my emotions


I could stop that feeling leaving
I could prevent myself from letting go of certain emotions


I say
With finality and conviction


Fuck off!
An expression of dismissal or anger towards a negative force or energy




Contributed by Jordan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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