Problems
KITCHEN - Sex Pistols Lyrics


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Too many problems, oh why am I here?
I need to be me, 'cause you're all too clear
And I can see there's something wrong with you
But what do you expect me to do?
At least I gotta know what I wanna be
Don't come to me if you need pity
Are you lonely? You got no one
You get your body in suspension
That's a problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you

Eat your heart out on a plastic tray
You don't do what you want
Then you'll fade away
You won't find me working nine to five
It's too much fun being alive
I'm using my feet for my human machine
You won't find me living for the screen
Are you lonely? All needs catered
You got your brains dehydrated

Problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
What you gonna do?

Problem, problem

Problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
What you gonna do with your problem?
The problem is you, problem

I ain't equipment, I ain't automatic
You won't find me just staying static
Don't you give me any order
For people like me, there is no order

Bet you thought you had it all worked out
Bet you thought you knew what I was about
Bet you thought you'd solved all your problems
But you are the problem

Problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
What you gonna do with your problem?
I'll leave it to you
Problem, the problem is you
You got a problem
What you gonna do?

They know a doctor, gonna take you away
They'll take you away and throw away the key
They don't want you and they don't want me
You got a problem, the problem is you
Problem, what you gonna do?
Problem, I'll leave it back
I have a problem, oh you got a problem

Problem, problem
Problem, problem
Problem, problem
Problem, problem
Problem, problem
Problem, problem




Problem, problem
Problem, problem, problem

Overall Meaning

The Sex Pistols’ β€œProblems” is a classic punk rock anthem that critiques society's expectations and conformity. The lyrics speak to the band’s disillusionment with societal norms and expectations, urging listeners to break free and be true to themselves. In the opening lines, Johnny Rotten laments his presence in a world riddled with problems and the pressure he faces to fit into society’s expectations. He then sings about the need to be true to oneself and not to seek pity, even if one is lonely.


The chorus, β€œproblem, problem, problem, the problem is you,” is a scathing indictment of the conformity and lack of individuality in society, calling out those who are β€œlonely” and β€œdehydrated” for living solely for the approval of others. Rotten also sings about rejecting the monotony of a nine-to-five job and instead enjoying life's simple pleasures. The bridge features Rotten refusing to take orders or conform to society's expectations, declaring that β€œfor people like me, there is no order.”


"Problems" was released in 1977 as part of The Sex Pistols' debut album, "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols." The song, like most of the album, was produced by Chris Thomas and Bill Price. The album is widely considered one of the most important and influential punk rock albums of all time.


Line by Line Meaning

Too many problems, oh why am I here?
I am overwhelmed with issues and I can't handle the situation I am in. I feel lost and confused.


I need to be me, 'cause you're all too clear
I want to be my true self and not pretend to be someone I'm not, because it's obvious to me that you all do that.


And I can see there's something wrong with you
I can tell that something is wrong with you, even though you might not see it yourself.


But what do you expect me to do?
I don't know what to do to help you, and I feel helpless.


At least I gotta know what I wanna be
I have to figure out what I want to do with my life, at the very least, and pursue it with purpose.


Don't come to me if you need pity
If you need sympathy, don't ask me for it. I'm tired of always being there for you.


Are you lonely? You got no one
Do you feel alone? Is that why you act the way you do?


You get your body in suspension
You put your body in a state of limbo, not really living or experiencing anything.


That's a problem, problem
That is a serious issue that you need to address.


Problem, the problem is you
The root of the problem is you and the choices you make.


Eat your heart out on a plastic tray
You consume junk food and unhealthy substances and it's taking a toll on your well-being.


You don't do what you want, then you'll fade away
If you don't take control of your life and pursue your dreams, you will wither away into nothingness.


You won't find me working nine to five
I refuse to conform to society's expectations of a typical work schedule.


It's too much fun being alive
I enjoy living and experiencing all that life has to offer.


I'm using my feet for my human machine
I am using my body to its full potential and taking advantage of my physical abilities.


You won't find me living for the screen
I am not obsessed with technology or social media, and refuse to let it control my life.


Are you lonely? All needs catered
Do you feel isolated and alone, despite having all of your needs met?


You got your brains dehydrated
Your mind is not being properly nourished, and you are not using your full intellectual capacity.


I ain't equipment, I ain't automatic
I am not a machine or a robot, I am a human being with free will and the ability to make choices.


You won't find me just staying static
I am constantly moving forward, growing and evolving as a person, always seeking out new experiences and opportunities.


Don't you give me any order
Do not try to control me or tell me what to do, I am my own person and make my own decisions.


For people like me, there is no order
I do not conform to societal norms or expectations, and refuse to be pigeonholed into a specific role or identity.


Bet you thought you had it all worked out
I'm sure you believed you had everything figured out and under control.


Bet you thought you knew what I was about
You probably assumed you understood who I was and what motivated me, but you were mistaken.


Bet you thought you'd solved all your problems
You might have believed that you had resolved all of your issues and could move forward without further difficulty.


But you are the problem
The truth is, you are the source of the problem and the reason you can't move forward.


What you gonna do with your problem?
What are you going to do to address your issues and take control of your life?


I'll leave it to you
Ultimately, it is up to you to figure out how to solve your problems and take responsibility for your life.


You got a problem
It's clear that you are struggling with an issue that is holding you back from living your best life.


They know a doctor, gonna take you away
Perhaps you need professional help to address your problems, and they know someone who can offer assistance.


They'll take you away and throw away the key
You may need to be removed from your current environment in order to break the cycle of negative behavior and thought patterns.


They don't want you and they don't want me
Neither you nor I fit into the rigid expectations of society, and we are both seen as outcasts.


Problem, what you gonna do?
You can't keep avoiding your issues, you need to face them head-on and take steps to address them.


Problem, I'll leave it back
I'm tired of constantly dealing with your problems and don't want to take responsibility for them any longer.


I have a problem, oh you got a problem
We both have issues that we need to address, and it's time to take control of our lives and start making positive changes.


Problem, problem
There are so many issues to deal with, they feel overwhelming and insurmountable.


Problem, problem
We can't avoid our problems forever, and it's time to start working on finding solutions.


Problem, problem
Our problems are not going away on their own, and it's up to us to figure out how to address them.


Problem, problem
We need to stop running from our problems and start facing them head-on.


Problem, problem
There is no escaping the fact that we both have serious problems that need to be addressed.


Problem, problem
We are both struggling with issues that are impacting our daily lives and it's time to start making changes.


Problem, problem
Our problems are not going to magically disappear, and we need to start working on finding solutions.


Problem, problem
No matter how many times we try to evade them, our problems will always be there until we take the necessary steps to address them.


Problem, problem, problem
Our problems are so numerous and complex that it's hard to know where to start in trying to solve them.




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Glen Matlock, Paul Thomas Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Itelkner

I totally agree with those 4 sources of Steve's playing. As a deep fan of Steve's playing, here are few more that I think had a strong influence on Steve that might not be as obvious.

Jimi Hendrix. That's right! Steve was flipped out by Purple Haze when it first came out and bugged his neighbor to keep playing the single over and over. I think this had deep effect on his musical development and life path. I can hear a strong Hendrix influence in Steve particularly on the controlled noise atmospherics he likes to make live and on stuff like Anarchy with the feedback swells.

James WillIamson. Steve played along with Raw Power to learn guitar and I can hear a strong influence there with the tight, precise chord changes, big full sound, and rhythmic aggression. Steve's chord choices on EMI with I-IV pattern on the chorus sound very Williamson-like and I'm sure that's where he got it.

Pete Townshend. Steve's mentioned Pete as an influence but said it wasn't one of his biggest. But I think Steve picked up some cues from Pete from the way Pete showed that you can fill up the space in a single guitar band with a big, full crunch and tight, precise rhythmic playing that sounds massive. Plus, Pete showed that you can do interesting tasty fills and things that hold attention without being a super lead virtuoso. You can hear some Who in the Pistols, too.

Brian May. Steve was a fan of early Queen and that treble-boosted/AC30, midrangy rhythm sound of May definitely sounds like an influence to me.

Chuck Berry. Steve saw Chuck live when he was young and the influence is obvious. Maybe even more than Keith Richards, Steve was able to tap into what was exciting about Chuck's lead sound and apply it to some very modern, futuristic rock 'n' roll that still sounds fresh. Berry's rhythm and lead playing are both big influences on Steve.

Tom Scholz. Steve was a big Boston fan though wouldn't admit it until years later. Like Scholz, Steve created a massive wall of sound that had a quintessential 70's midrange bite, but kind of futuristic sounding. But still totally classic rock 'n' roll. Steve had already developed his own core sound by the time he heard Scholz. But I believe Scholz and Boston's first album were an influence on Steve totally getting into guitar overdubs with Chris Thomas on Never Mind The Bollocks. Also, somewhat of an influence on Steve's playing and developing a similar massive wall of sound and close midrangey rhythm tone.

And finally, Phil Spector. Not a guitar player but Steve's said that he literally wanted to develop a guitar wall of sound like Phil Spector's wall of sound and that Spector was a big influence on his. Another reason for Steve getting heavily into overdubbing and studio time.



All comments from YouTube:

@curtisphillips1395

People remember Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten, but Steve Jones was clearly the Pistol with musical talent. Never Mind the Bollocks has some great guitar riffs

@madferitman1120

+Curtis Phillips Matlock had the talent, but was too talented for the music the pistols were aiming to put out, which is why he was replaced by Sid.

@182moons7

+MADFERIT MAN he wasn't replaced with Sid glen Matlock was

@madferitman1120

Redyoshi64Β that's what I saidΒ 

@B0rnles13

+MADFERIT MAN indeed you did, but I've seen SP vids where there are 2 guitarists and 1 bass player. At least that's how they looked to me, and I wonder if there was a time before Matlock left when he played with the rest of them or am I imagining it all?

@B0rnles13

***** Yes, on reflection (and viewing a few Pistols vids) I believe you are correct, I wonder how they sounded live, cos on the record (Pretty Vacant)) it has at least 2 guitar tracks in the mix, Steve Jones, play's the rhythm and lead guitar most notably at the intro, where you can hear the riff over the first A chord and later when he play's the solo's, so much for keeping it simple, too many words, what can I say? Enuff!

76 More Replies...

@h.i.m3646

Steve can make a three chord riff amazing. It's in his soul, pure rock n roll.

@politicoinutil

While others play a thousand notes per second and say nothing

@fredroy832

The sound of Steve's guitar and Rotten's voice totally complimented each other. The Pistols stood for something that you couldn't ignore in 1977.

@duane8829

John had said that they got lucky that Steve’s tone and his vocals matched so well

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