Do the Math
Less Than Jake Lyrics


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Do the math
Because you only have so many hours
Left to make it count

Subtract the fact
First you have to figure out what life is
Really all about
You can count the minutes and you can avoid the seconds
You can call the standards
Forgetting all your lessons now

I count on one hand
What matters to me most
Only time can
Subtract them I suppose
But I'm trying
Trying not to let it go
Still the numbers drop
It's just not adding up

Do the math
The path you plan to get you by may not be
Not be working out

Subtract the fact
The future that you carry on your shoulders
Adds up ounce by ounce

You can count the minutes and you can avoid the seconds
You can call the standards
Forgetting all your lessons nowwwwww

I count on one hand
What matters to me most
Only time can
Subtract them I suppose
But I'm trying
Trying not to let it go
Still the numbers drop
It's just not adding up

It's just not adding up

I count on one hand
What matters to me most
Only time can
Subtract them I suppose
But I'm trying
Trying not to let it go
Still the numbers drop
It's just not adding up

I count on one hand
What matters to me most
Only time can
Subtract them I suppose
But I'm trying
Trying not to let it go




Still the numbers drop
It's just not adding up

Overall Meaning

The song "Do The Math" by Less Than Jake is a contemplative piece that urges listeners to evaluate their lives and how they spend their precious time. It highlights the importance of counting the things that matter, subtracting the things that don't and paying attention to what adds up, or what doesn't, as time passes.


The first verse emphasizes the significance of making the most of the limited time that we have to achieve significant accomplishments. The lyrics urge listeners to calculate how they're spending their time and to identify what life is genuinely all about. The second verse asks people to be mindful of what doesn't add up and to consider why the plans they've made might not be working out. The lyrics suggest that while it is important to have goals and plans, it's equally important to be flexible and adaptable to change.


The song's chorus mentions counting on one hand what matters most, with time being the only factor able to subtract from that count. The singer is trying not to let go of what matters to them the most, but out of their control, those numbers are dropping, and it's not adding up. The song's theme is slightly pessimistic, warning that if people don't begin to evaluate their lives and plans, they may fail to measure up to their potential, and things won't add up in the end.


Line by Line Meaning

Do the math
Consider the situation carefully


Because you only have so many hours
Time is limited and valuable


Left to make it count
Make the most of the time you have


Subtract the fact
Eliminate the negative thoughts and attitudes


First you have to figure out what life is
Understand the purpose of your existence


Really all about
The meaning behind your life


You can count the minutes and you can avoid the seconds
Measure time and avoid wasting it


You can call the standards
Set high expectations for yourself


Forgetting all your lessons now
Don't let past mistakes hold you back


I count on one hand
Only a few things are truly important


What matters to me most
Identify your top priorities


Only time can
Changes come with time


Subtract them I suppose
What was once important may no longer be


But I'm trying
Making a conscious effort to improve


Trying not to let it go
Preventing loss of what's valuable


Still the numbers drop
Time is constantly passing


It's just not adding up
Things are not going according to plan


The path you plan to get you by may not be
Your plan may not work out


Not be working out
The plan is not working


The future that you carry on your shoulders
The impact of your decisions


Adds up ounce by ounce
Small changes have a larger impact over time


I count on one hand
Only a few things are truly important


What matters to me most
Identify your top priorities


Only time can
Changes come with time


Subtract them I suppose
What was once important may no longer be


But I'm trying
Making a conscious effort to improve


Trying not to let it go
Preventing loss of what's valuable


Still the numbers drop
Time is constantly passing


It's just not adding up
Things are not going according to plan


I count on one hand
Only a few things are truly important


What matters to me most
Identify your top priorities


Only time can
Changes come with time


Subtract them I suppose
What was once important may no longer be


But I'm trying
Making a conscious effort to improve


Trying not to let it go
Preventing loss of what's valuable


Still the numbers drop
Time is constantly passing


It's just not adding up
Things are not going according to plan




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: CHRISTOPHER D. DEMAKES, LOUIS JAMES SCHAUB, PETER WASILEWSKI, VINNIE FIORELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Robert Samble

For those who say this album is completely auto-tuned....I invite you to see them live....LESS THAN JAKE is a band that ALWAYS delivers. 

Ryan S

I've heard Chris get off a bit but that's expected live from time to time. Roger is like a machine though - Seriously his ear is perfect and he hits harmonies and literally never misses. Such a good combo of voices too.

Pvshka

All their albums are "auto-tuned". Hell, ALL albums ever are "auto-tuned" at least to a certain degree. Whoever thinks otherwise doesn't know how music production works. And yes, LTJ is awesome live.

Thomas Clark

Almost 100% of released recordings today are auto-tuned and quantized to the grid to some degree. It's the way it's done by professional level recording studios.

Alex McDonald

@wubanga10154 and @Robert Samble you guys are hot

Robert Samble

+wubanga10154 fak off ;)

2 More Replies...

maddie day

Saw these guys at warped tour yesterday. Skipped around in a circle pit holding hands with people in the pouring rain during this song. Best part of the day c:

Alex Sunandar

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NickSkate7

Sick, honesty probably my favorite Less Than Jake album!

LeadMe2TheBliss

Have you heard Silver Linings? I bought it recently, it's an amazing album! I wasn't expecting much at first but I was pleasantly surprised!

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