My Flash On You
Love (Arthur Lee & Love Band) Lyrics
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I don't want to be in your company
I don't need you to take care of me
Let me alone, let me alone, let me alone, can't you let me be
All I want in this world is to say I'm a man that's free
[Verse 2:]
People talk about the way I look
But don't they know, don't they know, don't they know it's a waste of breath'
Cause I don't want to be like them, all I want is to be myself
(Lemme hear you play it one time now)
[Verse 3:]
Don't try to force your smuggled drugs my way
'Cause baby, I cleansed my soul and I say that's the way it's gonna stay
But you can put me down, all around, on the ground, anyway you choose
Get your kicks with your fix, but this time I know it's you who lose
The lyrics to Love's song My Flash On You are an embodiment of the singer's rebellious and non-conformist attitude towards society. The first verse makes it clear that the singer wants nothing to do with anyone else's company and doesn't need anyone to take care of him. He desires freedom and independence above anything else in the world. In the second verse, the singer addresses people's comments about his appearance, daring them to say it to his face because he has no interest in being like them. He would rather stay true to himself and be unique. The third verse is a direct rebuke to anyone who tries to push their ideologies or beliefs, especially in terms of drugs, onto the singer. The lyrics convey the singer's firm stance on being his own person and not being swayed by external pressure.
The song was released in 1966, a time when the counterculture movement was prominent, and individualism was being embraced. Love's My Flash On You was one of the many songs representing the era, resonating with people who wanted to rebel against societal norms. The band's lead singer, Arthur Lee, had a distinctive voice, which added to the song's message of being unique and different. The song's simple and repetitive, yet catchy melody made it a favorite among rock music enthusiasts. Interestingly, the song's lyrics were misunderstood by many people who thought the title, My Flash On You, referred to a camera flash when, in reality, it is a slang term for an infatuation or obsession.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't want to be in your company
I do not wish to spend time with you
I don't need you to take care of me
I am capable of taking care of myself independently
Let me alone, let me alone, let me alone, can't you let me be
Please leave me alone and allow me to be on my own
All I want in this world is to say I'm a man that's free
My only desire is to be able to express my independence as a free human being
People talk about the way I look
Others comment on my appearance
I say come on and say it, I got enough to write a book
I challenge them to voice their opinions, as I have enough material to create a full book about it
But don't they know, don't they know, don't they know it's a waste of breath'
They do not realize that their comments are pointless and a waste of speech
Cause I don't want to be like them, all I want is to be myself
I have no interest in conforming to their expectations, my only goal is to be my authentic self
Don't try to force your smuggled drugs my way
Please do not attempt to pressure me into taking illegal drugs
'Cause baby, I cleansed my soul and I say that's the way it's gonna stay
I have already purged my soul from drug addiction and have decided to remain drug-free
But you can put me down, all around, on the ground, anyway you choose
You may insult or criticize me in any way you please
Get your kicks with your fix, but this time I know it's you who lose
It may bring you temporary pleasure to use drugs, but ultimately it is you who will suffer the consequences and losses.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ARTHUR TAYLOR LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alan Thomson
on Gazing
Not on Forever changes