The song exhibits the band's strong funk influences. The funk sensibilities displayed on this and other Jane's Addiction songs inspired the Red Hot Chili Peppers to recruit Dave Navarro after John Frusciante's temporary hiatus. Some listeners suggest that the song deals with kleptomania, though others might contend that the lyrics of the song's chorus - "when we want something and we don't want to pay for it" - suggest instead an anarchic theme, with the song's protagonist refusing to recognize private property rights. The song is notable for the barking dogs in the introduction, possibly suggesting the singer is escaping from watchdogs.
Been Caught Stealing
Jane's Addiction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Once when I was 5
I enjoy stealing
It's just as simple as that
Well, it's just a simple fact
When I want something,
I don't want to pay for it
I walk right through the door
Hey all right!
If I get by, it's mine
Mine all mine!
My girl, she's one too
She'll go and get her a shirt
Stick it under her skirt
She grabbed a razor for me
And she did it just like that
When she wants something, she don't want to pay for it
She walk right through the door
Walk right through the door
Hey all right!
If I get by, it's mine
Mine all mine!
We sat around the pile
We sat and laughed
We sat and laughed and waved it into the air!
And we did it just like that
When we want something, we don't want to pay for it
We walk right through the door
Walk right through the door
Hey, all right!
If I get by, it's mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine. . .
At face value, the song "Been Caught Stealing" by Jane's Addiction is seemingly about the thrill of shoplifting, but as with most lyrics there is often a deeper meaning. The lyrics delve into the concept of instant gratification and the desire to have something without the guilt and responsibility of paying for it. The lines "When I want something, I don't want to pay for it" and "If I get by, it's mine" highlight the carefree and often impulsive nature of the singer.
The song also touches on rebelliousness and living outside the confines of societal rules. The chorus "Hey all right! If I get by, it's mine" expresses the satisfaction and thrill of getting away with something illicit. The line "We sat around the pile, we sat and laughed and waved it into the air" gives the impression of a group of friends who are united in their disregard for authority.
Overall, "Been Caught Stealing" can be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of happiness and satisfaction, as well as the desire for more without effort or sacrifice.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been caught stealing
I have stolen and been caught in the past
Once when I was 5
The first time I was caught stealing was when I was five years old
I enjoy stealing
I derive pleasure from taking things that do not belong to me
It's just as simple as that
Stealing is a straightforward, uncomplicated activity for me
Well, it's just a simple fact
My love of stealing is an undeniable truth
When I want something,
Whenever I desire something for myself,
I don't want to pay for it
I feel no inclination to exchange currency in order to acquire it
I walk right through the door
I enter the premises where the item is located without permission or invitation
Walk right through the door
I proceed unhindered to the section where the item is displayed
Hey all right!
Success in obtaining the item brings me joy and excitement
If I get by, it's mine
When I successfully steal the item, it becomes my possession
Mine all mine!
I feel a sense of ownership and pride in having obtained the item for myself
My girl, she's one too
My female companion shares in my affinity for stealing
She'll go and get her a shirt
She will take a shirt from a store without paying for it
Stick it under her skirt
She will hide the stolen item on her person
She grabbed a razor for me
She stole a razor for me as a favor
And she did it just like that
Her stealing was effortless and swift
When she wants something,
Whenever she desires an item,
she don't want to pay for it
She has no desire or willingness to exchange money in order to obtain it
We sat around the pile
Together, we gathered a stash of stolen goods
We sat and laughed
We delighted in the act of stealing and our success in doing so
We sat and laughed and waved it into the air!
We celebrated our spoils with enthusiasm and mirth
If I get by, it's mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine...
Success in stealing an item brings me a sense of possessiveness and ownership that I treasure
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID NAVARRO, ERIC ADAM AVERY, LOU REED, PERRY FARRELL, STEPHEN PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@starwinksbackfromtheskypit6790
This song was playing in the grocery store. Not only I felt old and completely perplexed that they would play this, I also felt like stealing some shit.
@hipasstunes.43yearsago.edited
What grocery store was this?! 😂
@jonathonkiner7415
Hahaha
@jamescole2093
Ida done outta pure spite!!
@punklover99
Most places just have something like Pandora and it'll just play radio friendly stuff
@evol111
😂😂😂
@ForrestGreenFlix
The 90’s absolutely rocked!
@Totalchaos0228
Classic 😍 my dad used to play this on his guitar when I was little and wed sing it together...I thought it was the funniest song in the world. I miss you Dad❤
@alicesbeloved4109
🌹
@jessygrandbois308
i sing this song at my little girl.. she dance beacause music. she so cutes :)