MINDFVCK \\\\ Mixed by September 7th Lyrics

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You won't gimmie no mo'
You won't gimmie no mo'
You won't gimmie no mo'
You won't gimmie no mo'
You won't

Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same

If life is such a game
How come people all act the same
Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same

I've been coming up for a while on ya radar
I know I made it jus' by counting up my haters
I got a speed boat get away like later
You betta have a lotta cheddar if you don't got data
Coz you can live it up, pull it up, start reeling
Start throwing hands up like you're mad at the ceiling
You could make a killin' but don't forget the feeling
People stealin' money and down with double-dealin'

You won't gimmie no mo'
You won't gimmie no mo'
You won't

Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same
Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same

You can take me courthouse
You can take me jail
You can take me anywhere
But you can't get me there
You can ask me where I'm going and I'll tell you crazy
But when I get to where I'm going you should come with me

You've be staying up, pull me up start reeling
I'm throwing up my hands like I'm mad at the ceiling

Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same
Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same

I got roof on my head
I got food in my pot
And the old ways are dead with the new ones we got
There's water in my pot
And I'm half and half not
And the old kind is broke with the new kind we bought
I drink alcohol
Know the words to Wonderwall
I rewrite the code
While I do my time on road

Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same
Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same
If life is such a game
How come people all act the same
Tell me why
Things change but it feels the same

If life is such a game
How come people all act the same

Overall Meaning

The song 17-Tell Me Why by M.I.A // MINDFVCK is a commentary on the difficulty of change in the face of conformity. This theme is introduced in the opening lyrics with the repetition of "You won't gimmie no mo'" which could be interpreted as a desire for change or an attempt to break free from the familiar. The chorus "Tell me why things change but it feels the same" suggests that even when we attempt to change our circumstances, we can still feel trapped. The line "If life is such a game, how come people all act the same" interrogates the societal pressures to conform to certain norms and behaviors.

Throughout the song, M.I.A // MINDFVCK addresses the double standards that exist in society, particularly in regards to money and status. The lines "You could make a killin' but don't forget the feeling/ People stealin' money and down with double-dealin'" suggest that the pursuit of wealth and success can come at a cost, one that is not worth the compromise of one's values. The line "You can take me anywhere/ But you can't get me there" further emphasizes the idea that true change cannot be forced.

Overall, 17-Tell Me Why is a powerful critique of societal pressures to conform and the difficulty of true change. It sends a message that while the pursuit of success and wealth can be tempting, it is important to remember the things that truly matter and to stay true to oneself.

Line by Line Meaning

You won't gimmie no mo'
You refuse to give me any more

Tell me why Things change but it feels the same If life is such a game How come people all act the same
Questioning why, despite life being unpredictable, people tend to act in predictable, rather monotonous ways

I've been coming up for a while on ya radar I know I made it jus' by counting up my haters I got a speed boat get away like later You betta have a lotta cheddar if you don't got data Coz you can live it up, pull it up, start reeling Start throwing hands up like you're mad at the ceiling You could make a killin' but don't forget the feeling People stealin' money and down with double-dealin'
Talking about her success, and how it has brought her haters, wealth, and freedom. Warns against materialism and greed, and how they can lead to unethical behavior

You can take me courthouse You can take me jail You can take me anywhere But you can't get me there You can ask me where I'm going and I'll tell you crazy But when I get to where I'm going you should come with me You've be staying up, pull me up start reeling I'm throwing up my hands like I'm mad at the ceiling
Asserting her independence and determination, and inviting others to join her. Encouraging people to take risks and enjoy life

I got roof on my head I got food in my pot And the old ways are dead with the new ones we got There's water in my pot And I'm half and half not And the old kind is broke with the new kind we bought I drink alcohol Know the words to Wonderwall I rewrite the code While I do my time on road
Proud of her modest home and simple lifestyle, and acknowledging the shift away from traditional customs. Mentions overcoming challenges and adapting to change. Talks about a mix of old and new influences in her life, and her talent for innovation

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: THOMAS WESLEY PENTZ, MAYA ARUL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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