Shout
Joan Jett Lyrics
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Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
In violent times
You shouldn't have to sell your soul
In black and white
They really really ought to know
Those one track minds
That took you for a working boy
Kiss them goodbye
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
You shouldn't have to shout for joy
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
I hope we live to tell the tale
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
And when you've taken down your guard
If I could change your mind
I'd really love to break your heart
I'd really love to break your heart
Shout
Shout
Let it all out
These are the things I can do without
Come on
I'm talking to you
Come on
In this song, Joan Jett is encouraging listeners to speak up and let out their frustrations. She begins by shouting repetitively and then lists things she can do without, urging listeners to do the same. The lyrics then take a more serious tone, touching on the idea that people should not have to sell their soul or compromise their values to succeed. Jett references "one track minds" that took advantage of hardworking people, and encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and not have to "jump for joy" to please others.
Jett then shifts into a more introspective section, discussing the conflicts that arise when people try to force others into certain molds or roles. She acknowledges that sometimes people feel the need to rebel or push back against those who have given them life, but hopes that they will ultimately find a way to reconcile and "live to tell the tale."
Overall, Joan Jett's "Shout" is both a call to action and a reflection on the complexities of human relationships. It encourages listeners to speak up for themselves and resist those who would try to compromise their values, while acknowledging that conflicts and rough patches are often an inevitable part of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Shout
Express yourself and speak up
Shout
Repeat the message and make it loud and clear
Let it all out
Release your emotions and be honest
These are the things I can do without
I don't need these negative things in my life
Come on
Encouragement to take action and speak up
I'm talking to you
This message is directed at you
In violent times
During difficult and tumultuous periods
You shouldn't have to sell your soul
You shouldn't have to compromise your values or integrity
In black and white
Clearly and obviously
They really really ought to know
They should be aware and informed
Those one track minds
Narrow and close-minded people
That took you for a working boy
Who saw you as nothing more than a laborer
Kiss them goodbye
Say farewell to those people
You shouldn't have to jump for joy
You shouldn't have to be overly ecstatic just to be treated fairly
They gave you life
Your parents or family members brought you into the world
And in return you gave them hell
You rebelled or caused trouble for them
As cold as ice
Unfeeling and distant
I hope we live to tell the tale
I hope we survive and come out of this experience stronger
And when you've taken down your guard
When you've lowered your defenses
If I could change your mind
If I could persuade you to see things differently
I'd really love to break your heart
I'd like to challenge and change your beliefs and emotions
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: O'kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind