Paranoid
Grand Funk Lyrics


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Paranoid


Did you ever have that feeling in your life, that someone was watching you?
He don't have no reason, that's right. But, still he's there watching you.
Someone is waiting just outside the door, to take you away.
Everybody knows just what he's there for, to take you away.

But, you don't know why he's been waiting.
But, you don't know why he's been waiting.
Spent too much time anticipating.
Spent too much time anticipating.


Did you ever think it could be you, that's just outside the door?
There's just one way to find out if it's true. So, what you waiting for?
Oh, get yourself together now, my friend, and step outside the pad.
If there's no one waiting for you there, my friend, I think you should be glad.


But, who wasn't there that you should look out for?
But, who wasn't there that you should look out for?
Get back inside your wall, and shut the door.
Get back inside your wall, and shut the door.


You don't have nobody, don't need nobody, can't love nobody,
You're better off by yourself.
You ain't feelin' too bad, you're driving me mad, and say you're bad,
You're better off by yourself.


You don't have nobody, don't need nobody, can't love nobody,
You're better off by yourself.
You ain't feelin' too bad, you're driving me mad, and say you're bad,
You're better off by yourself.






Ahhhhh ...

Overall Meaning

The song "Paranoid" by Grand Funk Railroad, released on their 1970 album titled "Closer to Home," is a highly introspective and thought-provoking song about paranoia and the fear of being watched. The lyrics reflect the feelings of someone who always feels like someone is watching them, even without any reason. The first few lines set the tone for the song, with the singer asking if the listener ever had that feeling that someone is watching them. The line "He don't have no reason, that's right. But, still he's there watching you," highlights the irrationality of this fear.


Throughout the song, the singer talks about the feeling of being watched and the fear of being taken away by someone waiting just outside the door. The chorus repeats the same lines over and over again, emphasizing the fear and anticipation associated with this feeling. The second verse is more of a challenge to the listener, asking them to get themselves together and step outside the door to find out if anyone is really waiting for them.


The song takes an interesting turn towards the end, with the singer telling the listener that they don't need anybody and are better off by themselves. This reflects the idea that sometimes, in order to overcome paranoia and fear, we need to be able to rely on ourselves and not let our fears control us.


Line by Line Meaning

Did you ever have that feeling in your life, that someone was watching you?
Have you ever been paranoid about someone watching you?


He don't have no reason, that's right. But, still he's there watching you.
There is no apparent reason for his presence but he is present nonetheless and watching you.


Someone is waiting just outside the door, to take you away.
Someone is lurking outside the door waiting to abduct you.


Everybody knows just what he's there for, to take you away.
Everyone knows that the stalker's intent is to abduct you.


But, you don't know why he's been waiting.
You don't understand why the stalker has been waiting for you.


Spent too much time anticipating.
You've spent too much time worrying and expecting the worst.


Did you ever think it could be you, that's just outside the door?
Have you ever considered that you might be the person outside the door?


There's just one way to find out if it's true. So, what you waiting for?
Take action to confirm or deny if you are the person outside the door.


Oh, get yourself together now, my friend, and step outside the pad.
Get yourself together and take a step outside your house.


If there's no one waiting for you there, my friend, I think you should be glad.
If there is no one outside waiting for you, consider yourself lucky.


But, who wasn't there that you should look out for?
Who was not present that you need to be aware of?


Get back inside your wall, and shut the door.
Go back inside and lock the door.


You don't have nobody, don't need nobody, can't love nobody, You're better off by yourself.
You are comfortable being alone with no one to rely on and no one to love.


You ain't feelin' too bad, you're driving me mad, and say you're bad, You're better off by yourself.
You don't feel bad about being alone but your independence is making me angry.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK FARNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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