DNA
Janelle Arthur Lyrics


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My sister got locked up for cooking meth
my cousin's in trouble with the IRS
Yeah it's a dysfunctional
typical redneck mess
and there's a lot of crazies on my mama's side
From loopy aunt Lucy to uncle Clyde yeah that's my family you say I am #Blessed

Yeah you can't get away
From your DNA
You were born with it gonna die with it
Better like it cause it's still
Running through your veins
You can change your mind
Change your name
Have a doctor change your face
But you can't get away
from your DNA

Every now and then there's a part of me that leans on the side of ADHD
And I can get real mad
at the drop of a hat
and every once in a while my country comes out
I could bless your heart or bless you out
and there's a real good chance I'm gonna be fat

Cause you can't get away
From your DNA
You were born with it gonna die with it
Better like it cause it's still
Running through your veins
You can change your mind
Change your name
Have a doctor change your face
But you can't get away
from your DN

A-ddictive personality
What you're mom and daddy put
In your genes

Oh you can't get away
From your DNA
You were born with it gonna die with it
Better like it cause it's still
Running through your veins
You can change your mind
Change your name
Have a doctor change your face
But you can't get away
From your DNA

No no no no no




You can't get away
From your DNA

Overall Meaning

The song "DNA" by Janelle Arthur explores the idea that our genetic makeup and family background play a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. The lyrics speak about the dysfunction and craziness within the singer's family, highlighting specific instances of trouble such as a sister being imprisoned for cooking meth and a cousin facing issues with the IRS. Despite these challenges, the singer acknowledges their connection to their family and realizes that their DNA is an integral part of their identity.


The chorus emphasizes the impossibility of escaping one's DNA. It suggests that no matter what changes one may undergo in life, such as altering their appearance or name, they cannot escape the genetic traits they were born with. The repetition of the line "You can't get away from your DNA" reinforces the idea that our inherent characteristics stay with us until the end.


In the second verse, the lyrics touch on the singer's own personal quirks and tendencies. They mention occasionally leaning towards ADHD, experiencing bouts of anger easily, and displaying country mannerisms. These characteristics are presented as a natural expression of their DNA, rather than something to be ashamed of. There's also a humorous reference to the possibility of the singer being overweight, suggesting that this, too, may be influenced by their genetic makeup.


The bridge of the song highlights the concept of an addictive personality, suggesting that certain behavioral traits can be inherited from one's parents. The line "What your mom and daddy put in your genes" refers to the idea that addictive tendencies can be passed down through generations. This further reinforces the message that our DNA is a powerful force shaping who we are.


Overall, "DNA" celebrates and accepts the influence of genetics and family background on an individual's identity. It encourages self-acceptance and embracing the unique traits that one possesses, as they are an integral part of who they are and cannot be escaped.


Line by Line Meaning

My sister got locked up for cooking meth
One of my siblings was arrested for producing methamphetamine, an illegal drug.


my cousin's in trouble with the IRS
My cousin is facing issues or legal trouble with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), likely related to taxes.


Yeah it's a dysfunctional typical redneck mess
The situation or dynamics within my family are characterized by dysfunctionality and can be considered a common stereotype associated with rural or working-class individuals.


and there's a lot of crazies on my mama's side
There are many eccentric or mentally unstable individuals on my mother's side of the family.


From loopy aunt Lucy to uncle Clyde yeah that's my family you say I am #Blessed
From my eccentric Aunt Lucy to my unpredictable Uncle Clyde, these individuals make up my family. Despite their quirks, you may consider me fortunate or blessed to have them.


Yeah you can't get away
Yes, it is impossible to escape or distance oneself from


From your DNA
the genetic makeup or inheritable traits that define who you are


You were born with it gonna die with it
These genetic characteristics are something you are born with and will persist until your death.


Better like it cause it's still
It would be preferable to accept and embrace these traits because they will


Running through your veins
continue to exert their influence or impact on you


You can change your mind
You have the ability to alter or modify your thoughts or opinions


Change your name
You can opt to adopt a different name or identity


Have a doctor change your face
Through medical interventions, such as plastic surgery, a doctor can alter your appearance


But you can't get away
However, it remains impossible to escape or distance oneself from


from your DNA
the fundamental genetic makeup that defines who you are as an individual


Every now and then there's a part of me that leans on the side of ADHD
Occasionally, I exhibit tendencies that align with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).


And I can get real mad
Furthermore, I am prone to experiencing intense anger or becoming enraged


at the drop of a hat
even at the slightest or most insignificant provocation or trigger.


and every once in a while my country comes out
Occasionally, I display behaviors or mannerisms associated with rural or country lifestyles.


I could bless your heart or bless you out
In certain situations, I may respond with either a sincere expression of empathy or compassion, or resort to criticizing or rebuking you.


and there's a real good chance I'm gonna be fat
Considering my genetic predispositions, there is a high likelihood that I will struggle with weight gain or obesity.


A-ddictive personality
I possess a personality that is prone to developing addictive behaviors or tendencies.


What you're mom and daddy put in your genes
These addictive tendencies are a direct result of the genetic traits inherited from my parents.


Oh you can't get away
Oh, it is impossible to escape or distance oneself from


From your DNA
the genetic makeup or inheritable traits that define who you are


No no no no no
Absolutely not, there is no way to


You can't get away
escape or distance oneself from


From your DNA
the genetic makeup or inheritable traits that define who you are




Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp.
Written by: Janelle Arthur, Judy Arthur, Robert Gerald Smith

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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