Desperate Measures
Marianas Trench Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Gonna make a heart-throb out of me
Just a bit of minor surgery
These desperate times call for desperate measures
I'll give you something to cry about
Show some skin, and would be, catch it
How could you let this get to desperate measures now?

For a first effort this,

Feels kinda last ditch
I guess this just
Got kinda drastic
Trust us you just fell off the bus, baby

I can't let this, I can't let this, I can't let this go
I can't let this, I can't let this go
(Desperate measures) I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now

I can't let this, I can't let this go

Have a piece of American dream
Open up, and swallow, on your knees
And say Thank you
I'd like some desperate measures, please
For a first effort this,
Feels kinda last ditch
I guess this just
Got kinda drastic
Trust us, you just fell off the bus, suckers
Yeah, well, payback is a mother fucker

I can't let this, I can't let this go
(Desperate measures) I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now

I can't let this, I can't let this go

Forever, for worse or better
My poor heart will only surrender
Go forever, for worse or better
My poor heart will only surrender, now

(Desperate measures) I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now
(Desperate measure now)

I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now
(Desperate measure now)

I can't let this, I can't let this go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Desperate Measures by Marianas Trench describe someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to make their lover desire them. They are willing to undergo "minor surgery" to become a "heart-throb" and resort to "desperate measures" like showing more skin to catch their attention. The lyrics depict a sense of desperation and urgency, with the singer saying they "can't let this go" and their heart will only surrender.

The lyrics seem to portray the idea of a toxic relationship where one partner is obsessed with the other and will go to any lengths to maintain their hold on them. The line "have a piece of American dream, open up and swallow, on your knees, and say thank you, I'd like some desperate measures please," suggests that the singer wants their partner to submit to their desires and do whatever they ask, no matter how degrading or humiliating.

Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on societal pressures to conform to traditional beauty standards and desperation for love at any cost, even if it means losing one's sense of self-respect.

Line by Line Meaning

Gonna make a heart-throb out of me
I'm going to transform myself into someone who is attractive and desirable.

Just a bit of minor surgery
I just need to undergo some minor changes to become the person I want to be.

These desperate times call for desperate measures
I'm willing to take drastic actions because the situation is critical.

I'll give you something to cry about
I'll make you regret your actions by inflicting emotional pain on you.

Show some skin, and would be, catch it
If you reveal your body, you'll attract attention and be desired.

How could you let this get to desperate measures now?
Why did we get to this point where we have to resort to extreme measures?

For a first effort this,Feels kinda last ditch
This is my first try at this and it feels like it's my last hope.

I guess this just,Got kinda drastic
I didn't plan on things getting this intense, but I have no choice now.

Trust us you just fell off the bus, baby
You missed your chance and now it's too late.

I can't let this, I can't let this, I can't let this go
I'm not willing to give up on my goal and will do whatever it takes to achieve it.

(Desperate measures) I can't let this, I can't let this go
I'm taking extreme measures because I'm committed to making this happen.

When I got you right where I want you,I been pushing for this for so long
I've been working towards this moment for a long time, and now it's finally happening.

Kiss me, just once, for luck
Give me a kiss for good luck in this critical moment.

Have a piece of American dream
Here's an opportunity to attain the American dream of success and prosperity.

Open up, and swallow, on your knees,And say Thank you
Be grateful for this chance to succeed and work hard to achieve it.

I'd like some desperate measures, please
I need to take drastic actions to reach my goal.

Trust us, you just fell off the bus, suckers
You missed your chance and now it's too late to catch up.

Yeah, well, payback is a mother fucker
You'll regret not taking advantage of this opportunity.

Forever, for worse or better,My poor heart will only surrender
I'm committed to this path, whether it leads to good or bad outcomes.

(Desperate measures) I can't let this, I can't let this go
I'm not willing to give up on my pursuit of success.

(Desperate measure now)
I'm taking extreme actions to achieve my goal.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREGORY K. SWINT, CHUCK JONES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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01Ever After6:06

02Haven't Had Enough3:28

03By Now4:14

04Truth or Dare3:50

05Desperate Measures3:48

PT3M48S

12No Place Like Home6:41

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Spam acc

4y↑54

Lyrics:

Gonna make a heart-throb out of me
Just a bit of minor surgery
These desperate times call for desperate measures
I'll give you something to cry about
Show some skin, and would be, catch it
How could you let this get to desperate measures now?

For a first effort this,
Feels kinda last ditch
I guess this just
Got kinda drastic
Trust us you just fell off the bus, baby

I can't let this, I can't let this, I can't let this go
I can't let this, I can't let this go
I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now
(Desperate measures)

I can't let this, I can't let this go

Have a piece of American dream
Open up, and swallow, on your knees
And say Thank you
I'd like some desperate measures, please
For a first effort this,
Feels kinda last ditch
I guess this just
Got kinda drastic
Trust us, you just fell off the bus, suckers
Yeah, well, payback is a mother fucker

I can't let this, I can't let this go
I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now

I can't let this, I can't let this go

Forever, for worse or better
My poor heart will only surrender
Go forever, for worse or better
My poor heart will only surrender, now

I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now
(Desperate measure now)

I can't let this, I can't let this go

When I got you right where I want you
I been pushing for this for so long
Kiss me, just once, for luck
These are desperate measures now
(Desperate measure now)

I can't let this, I can't let this go

All comments from YouTube:

Kenzie Marshall

8y↑2K

I remember when I went to their ever after concert, and all of them were dancing in their underwear to this song, and josh was like " my mother must be so proud of me. She's in the audience too."

Crimson Rose

8y↑13

lol

Jazzipersun

8y↑61

That was me during the Never Say Die tour, since he was at least partially shirtless the entire show, and cursed so much. My mom had to be there with me, and while I was dancing, singing, and fangirling like the stereotypical band-obsessed teen, I was thinking "my mom must be SO proud of me!"

grinkster

5y↑12

Of course his mother was proud of him! Doesn't matter what he was wearing! But the millions he made that night! That will always make a mother proud:) lol

I Believe

Insta bloody_impact_xt pl

Paula Belanger

Hahahahaha

9 More Replies...

easymoneysniper

5y↑764

This video came out when I finished elementary school. I am now in my 2nd year of college and I still love this

Tema Vero

4y↑5

Still here

Rasoil Mahde

4y↑1

Me too

Kassandra Pulido

Same

junho ko

same

Kayl A

4y↑5

This video came out for me when I was just finishing college! Here I am, almost 30, and still coming back too :)

14 More Replies...

Jodi K

9y↑546

I love how they aren't afraid to be themselves!! Life is too serious!! It's nice to see their playfulness, excitement, creativity and energy in an industry and society that mostly frowns on being 'different'. They aren't trying to be anyone but themselves, and they are helping to make others feel better about who they are because of that. Keep having fun, bringing that energy, making great music and inspiring people to be confident and accepting of who they are :) <3

Heather Carey Vlogs

5y↑6

I have been depressed, and I came across Marianas Trench. Everything you said is true. They make me happy and it's like my depression is gone now because of them, they inspired me to accept who I am and they definitely make me feel better about who I am! Their energy makes me have positive energy. I hope I can see them in concert someday and meet them! I haven't been this happy in a long time! That saying about things happening for a reason is true! I came across Marianas Trench for a reason! They make me happy again!

Jillian Christianson

This is so far from different...it’s like the most generic crap I have ever heard.

Tema Vero

@Jillian Christianson maybe he's talking about the video

Kelsey Winterton

Ditto

Timothy

4y↑23

They have the catchy verses, hooks, and choruses. And catchy riffs. Good tunes.

Really great writer. Love lots of your songs.

Katlynn Obrien

4y↑43

I remember being obsessed with this song at 10 years old because my mom took me to their concert. I’m now 18 and I am still in love with the old songs😭❤️

Entertainment for The Soul

47w↑1

Just hate to say it, they lost their touch with their newer music. Aside from losing 300'000 followers because they chose to follow pop instead of follow through with rock.

While Avril lavigne is gaining 2 million last year alone just from returning to punk rock and these guys are being forgotten.

Caleb Stewart

37w

Hard pill to swallow but kinda yeah. Love them all the same

KarissasLife

8y↑622

I loved this song in 4th grade. I knew all of the lyrics. I used to sing every lyric of the song in public. Yeah only now am I listening to it again and finally realizing what "open up and swallow on your knees" means ... 😖😂I always wondered what exactly he was talking about when he said that, as I was young ...

A Person

8y↑36

+KarissasLife Dude, you're in 7th grade now. You're still SO young haha.

KarissasLife

8y↑3

Roxanne-Marie Rozon Lmao ik I am but
I'm more mature for my age 😁

Pan Cakes

8y↑24

+KarissasLife That's what they all say~

KarissasLife

8y↑3

Pan Cakes I honestly am. I don't go around making out with guys like half my grade 😂

64 More Replies...

Kinza Fayyaz

8y↑578

Did anyone else notice that all together these music videos are one big story? They are all connected

SHREDIN FOREVER SNOWBOARDING

5y↑9

Kinza Fayyaz YESS

Dee Dawson

5y↑5

yes

Penguinstudios123

5y↑39

Kinza Fayyaz that’s the whole point of ever after (the album)

Raylene Schmidt

4y↑2

Yeah

BarnDot

4y↑8

daft punk did this with discovery like 10 years earlier tho :P

6 More Replies...

ShizzleBiznasty

1y↑8

This band is so much fun! Got to see them live, and they did NOT disappoint!!!

Daddy (Corn - Scarle's Arby's Meat Consumer)

I'm jealous yet still happy for you!

Andy Connolly

41w

In all honesty, I kinda get upset when people brush these guys off as another pop band. I've been a professional musician for 11 years now. I've seen good, bad and horrible bands and singers all over the place. I thoroughly believe in people being recognized for their talents. It only took me seeing them one time to realize that these guys are a Grade A live band. Not only that, they are world class musicians. This ain't me petting their egos either. If they were just a crap band, I wouldn't say anything. From one musician to another, mad props and nothing but respect for Marianas Trench!

Taylor Michelle

11y↑2

They always have amazing music videos to their songs. Words can't describe how much I love this band!

Elisen

3y↑5

It's been six years since i first heard this song on the radio and literally instantly fell in love with it. It's still my favourite song to this day.

Rachel Leonard

8y↑156

I forgot about this song after a couple years than came back to it and I know all the lyrics

Mr_Garlic 1234

Same

Alyssa

7y↑4

thats how all their songs are omg. you fall in and out of it.

Elise Trautman

7y↑3

Same here

First Name Last Name

7y↑1

Exactly what happened to me

Elise Trautman

Lilac Flower I love your profile lmao

2 More Replies...

Laura O Donovan

9y↑63

How have I not heard of this band before?!!!! They are awesome!! Trenchers, you have a new member!!!

Julie V

7y↑8

Laura O Donovan welcome child we've been expecting you 😂💀😏

Spam acc

4y↑54

Alkadec

7y↑2

That intro 0:00 - 0:20

The melody just hits me right in the gut with nostalgia...

quiverwingquack

4y↑1

This has been my favorite song for so many years. I’ve found other favorites, sure, but all of them fade from memory over time. This one simply hasn’t lost its charm.

JxcobAniki

4y↑26

I’m scared by the fact that they’ve escaped my memory for the past 5 years. This is because for the past year or so I’ve been obsessed with Nostalgia, so I’ve rediscovered just about every band or song I used to listen to. I actually don’t know how they evaded me this long.

steph

3y↑1

i had the same thing happen to me, but when i was dating a dude i started listening to the band again but only a couple songs (like lover dearest) and after we broke up, my whole obsession came back and so did my crush on joshua lol

Mariana Barbosa

11y

I love this band! Not only because there's my name in it, but because they make real music

Angelic Obscurities

4y↑1

I wish they made more songs like this.

みどり

2y↑3

No concerns from me! The art looks great. Keep up the work guys!

kwanggeut

10y↑1

I always enjoy watching Marianas Trench music videos, it's not only entertaining, the song is brilliantly catchy.

Jaiden

Seen them in concert twice and they never disappoint

N D

5y↑1

Havent had this love for a band in a long time but damn i cant get over how fantastic they are totally needed this so glad i found them!

Cheyenne Murphy

11y

This song is incredible live!

scott penner

9y↑3

I saw these guys live and they performed this song. They are awesome.

diceblood

4y↑6

It took me 7 years to listen to this song again. 11th grade is gonna be much more bearable now that I got good music to jam out to.

PabstStBlues666

11y

This song has been stuck in my head all day! I love this song so much!

Andrew Niezgoda

The whole story behind this album is amazing in itself

Nicholas Alexander

Still have my merch from when my sister and I went and see these guys live. They kick ass on Youtube and In person, plus they're all genuinely great guys who love music and people. Id give them all my money to see another concert 2023

Ultraflamz 64

1y↑2

I still remember the day I saw this music on much TV at the age of 6.
The song has stuck with me for the past 10 years.
Although 6 year old me was oddly weirded out by seeing that sheriff Woody toy.
In 2014 I remember coming home from school and my friend heard this on the radio and started singing it.

Makayla Oaks

11y

Another amazing song and video, these guys are now my favorite!!

Chelsea Waggoner

12y↑3

I could watch this video and any other Marianas Trench videos over and over again and NEVER get tired of them. For three reasons, 1) Their music is THE BEST 2) Their music always makes me smile and 3) JOSH RAMSAY IS SO HOT! :) Marianas Trench forever!! :) <3

Michelle Proulx

10y

Loving this song more and more each time I listen to it! <3

Jessy Dove

11y

I LOVE how on this album, their music videos tell a story.

「 D3MPST3R 」

6y↑1

I just managed to catch you guys at the CNE in Toronto. I was working the SuperDogs show till like 8pm....I got out and ran to your show!!! Thanks for giving us the love you did and please come back!!!! You're incredible live! So glad I managed to catch the last hour or your set!!!

「 D3MPST3R 」

I remember you asked who was in Toronto for your first show and some girl right at the stage started yelling...... Then you said "no,no,no.....I'll do the talking here"🤣😂 F*** it was perfect 😂

brandy getty

12y

these guys have great videos. Can't wait to see them on Sunday!!

J

11y

awesome song and band!! Love Marianas trench!!! <3

Jagger

2y↑5

I remember when they played at the fair in my city and opened with this song, When me and my cousins heard this across the grounds we sprinted to the concert and made it before the song ended luckily. After the concert we went towards the backstage to try at least get a glimpse of them before they left to their bus then Matt walked by and I was able to put my hand on his shoulder in a failed attempt to get him to acknowledge me out of all the fans, until a few seconds later Josh walked by and we said “Hi” to each other before he left, this was during their peak fame in 2012.

maddieb8933

12y

This is one of my favorite music videos made by Marianas Trench!

Stacey McLaughlin

Love it

Lydia C

I've been listening to this song since high school and I never get sick of it!

Danielle Bishop

12y

I love this song and this video, its so brilliant. I wish they would tour in the UK! I would love to see them live.

Jennifer Steinberg

Incredible, high energy song, and I love it!!!

Josefa Baltazar

7y↑16

EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEIR SONGS ARE FCKING AMAZINGGGG. WHY HAVENT I HEARD OF EM BEFORE?! 😍😍

Kat Kumock

11y

OMG!! its so catchy I listened to in live six times in a row!

Sierra Brown

11y

Saw them live yesterday!!! Im a fan for life you guys killed it!!!!

arielle fraser

2y↑1

Still a fan??? LOOOL

Lexii Trombley

1y↑1

listened to this 6,420 times today. Still cant get enough of it. I show it to literally everyone.

Tristan Harrison

11y↑1

This is the first time hearing/watching this group... First impression: DID THEY GET THEIR INSPIRATION FROM MY DREAMS? Lovin' it.

jinglongyyds

3y↑4

goddd this is still so good thirteen year old me had these lyrics memorised by heart

MusicIsMyLife417

12y

Every time I watch this video, I try to pick a favourite part and it's just so hard!! The whole video is amazing!! ONE of my favourite parts would have to be when the guys are dressed up like a boy band and are all dancing together. Just something about that scene that I really love! :) Great video over all. (But that was never a surprise, it's Marianas Trench we're talking about here :) )

Raynie

I still love this song after 5 years 💕

Peggy Belch

11y

I love this song so much

Nina R.

11y

without doubt the best part of the video is when the four dance... it's my favorite song from Ever After! ♥

Lexi Zana

11y

they are amazing live!!! <3

lord of the femoids

9y↑191

This song is so fucking catchy. I WILL NEVER LEAVE IT WILL NEVER LEAVE

Crimson Rose

ikr

Silingo

i feel it, ive listened to this song sence 2011

Katie Connery

8y↑1

+TheRedPolarBear uh the song didn't come out until 2012

Nat Bates

+TheRedPolarBear it came out in 2012..??

Silingo

8y↑1

i am pretty sure cause i was in grade 1 in 2012 when it came out

6 More Replies...

Kala K

12y

This is the first time i've ever listened to a Marianas Trench song and they're amazing ^o^

Amanda H

12y

This has to be my favourite one of their videos <3

BayaInTheRez

3y↑2

This is honestly so much freaking memories. Like how doesn’t he not have over 10 mill subs??

Lian M.

11y

best.band.ever. So proud to be a Canadian! <3

squishjoon

This song makes me feel something and I can't describe it but I love it so much

squishjoon

I also haven't listened to mtrench for a while (kpop has ruined me) it feels so good to be back :D

jjessii•exe

3y↑46

Who’s watching in 2021 😳 song still slaps after all this time

izzy henderson

11y

Love it❕

Sage

12y

They should totally make a short movie out of their entire album.... THEY JUST SHOULD!

xXTheGhostOfSpartaXx

7y↑2

This song is so catchy. it's been stuck in my head for years. Thanks alot Serina.

lea sawa

11y

Love this song

bri mac

10y

These guys are weird but I love them to death

hashtagmorg

9y↑66

I FORGOT HOW GREAT THIS VIDEO IS OMG

Linna Li

11y

OMG! I love Mariana's Trench and this song is amazing! I also love the video so much.

Tracey

Still love this song. I'm in UK marianas trench dont get the recognition they deserve here love them x

cherries

3y↑1

still can’t believe how underrated they are 😔

Sydney Polifrone

11y

I met the band last winter! Everyone was sooo sweet. Not one of them were douchy, thank gosh. Matt was especially nice :)

Котлетки Кен:3

Я просто влюбилась в эту песню.. Неважно где и когда я её слушаю, она постоянно поднимает мне настроение, какой же у неё энергичный весёлый вайб.. Хочу сказать вам огромное спасибо за такое творение, это просто чудо

sydney clement

8y↑100

I USED TO BE LIKE OBSESSED WITH THIS SONG IN 4TH-5TH GRADE I HAVENT LISTENED TO IT SINCE 5TH GRADE AND IM IN 8TH GRADE NOW, NOW IM LISTENING TO IT AGAIN AND IM CRYING OMG I LOOOVE IT

Annika Janjic

IKRRRRRRR

Brooke Forrestall

sydney clement ikrrr

qwikrthanquick

sydney clement SAME !!!

MarioLuigi0404

5y↑1

Three years later, I feel like asking if you still listen to it

alanis 11

I use to listen to this at age 12 ☹️ I am now 20 and still listen to it.

1 More Replies...

Jaimie Howie

11y

this band doesn't get enough recognition

Brittany Angel

11y

This song is very fun and upbeat i love the fact that Josh is very Hyper and outgoing....He's the greatest person to be in this band.....

Darren

Their MV's have so much personality! Shows that they have freedom in their work.

Danielle Gagne

11y

Yes, good idea. Let's create unnecessary conflict in between two unrelated bands. I myself am a fan of both One Direction and Mariana's Trench. There doesn't have to be competition or whatever in between the two. ANYWAYS. Great song. Loving it. So jealous of my friends who get to see them in concert.

Bto132

Me encanta esta banda grande Marianas Trench!! saludos desde Bolivia!

LIL DOOP

7y↑4

Seriously, Josh Ramsay sings so good, I love his voice and its crazy 'cause he's got a tongue ring. <3 Amazing.

Cheyenne Guest

11y

love this song soooo much!!!!!!!

Ashlynn Finley

11y

I love this song and the band :)

Noémie Lebrun

5y↑2

wow. when i was young i never got the meaning of their songs. listening to this now i love them even more

Stephanie Emrick

Some great music!

Lisa McLeod

Forever in love with this album

Jas Denyer

7y↑3

Darla's little sad/angry/panic faces are so bloody adorable.

Luvlamp86

12y

Woo!! Australia is fiiiinally joining me in getting behind this incredible band! Wish they'd release some songs on radio here!

Ashlee Jackson

second song I ever heard by them (first being masterpiece theatre three about two years ago and desperate measures a few days later). little did I know that being a trencher would become both a blessing and a curse. looks like I'm spending all of my Christmas money to see them...

Kira Sohma

Never gets old 😎❤

AceofDave

1y↑1

I love how much fun they obviously had making this video, but I just absolutely live for the Risky Business scene, Tom Cruise would be proud

Linda Jurado

11y

Love this song!!

Destine Ki

9y↑1.2K

"Swallow on your knees" I finally got that.

Ny

6y↑8

I did lol

Brooklyn Halleran

6y↑32

Destine Ki I sang this alot in third grade now I'm in 7th and finally know what it means oops

Becca lisgard

6y↑41

I was at a concert and josh looked at me for like all of this song. But for that part he walked up and crawled to me on his knees

løvely

5y↑2

Destine Ki Oh god

22 More Replies...

Brooklyn Halleran

9y↑2

Love all Marianas trench songs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Max Kostash

11y

These guys never take themselves seriously. Its awesome.

Charlotte Jenner

11y

Some of the best music in the pile of trash we have at the moment <3 love this x x

Eviiana

10y↑1

This is one of my favorite music videos
It always succeeds in making me laugh

Ian Sandler

I remember waking up for elementary school and hearing my older sister listen to this song on the radio. Such throwbacks I miss it sm

Kira Sohma

3y↑17

I miss the good old days... Take me back!

Jesica Boose

11y

Why am I just learning about them? They're an amazing band.

Todd Martin Lund

10y

there is a greatness they found, and they beamed it out to the world, like 'Love in America', Get the girl, they have truly found something great and shared it, you rule guys! :)