Stay Clean
Motörhead Lyrics


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I can tell, seen before
Know the way, I know the law
I can't believe, can't obey
Can't agree with all the things that they say
Oh no, don't ask me why
I can't go on with all the filthy white lies
Stay clean, stay clean
Stay clean, stay clean

Don't you know, all the time
You got yours and you know that I have mine
Grab a hold, don't let go
Don't let them rob you of the only way you know
Oh no, no-one else
Got the right to make you sorry for yourself
Stay clean, stay clean
Stay clean, stay clean, all right

So you see, the only proof
Of what you are is in the way you hear the truth
Don't be scared, live to win
Although they're always gonna tell you it's a sin
In the end, you're on your own
And there is no-one that can stop you being alone




Stay clean, stay clean
Stay clean, stay clean, it's our only offer

Overall Meaning

The song 'Stay Clean' by Motörhead is all about being true to oneself and not giving in to the pressures and expectations of others. The lyrics speak of being able to recognize the path that one must take and understanding what is right and wrong. The song tells of someone who cannot conform to what others want them to believe or do, and it flatly refuses to go along with the lies and deception that others seem to accept so easily. The repeated refrain, "Stay clean," is a rallying cry to all those who understand that remaining true to one's own convictions is the only way to live an honest life.


The verses of the song demonstrate the singer's unwavering sense of self and independence, declaring that they will not be controlled by the views of others. The second verse, in particular, warns against allowing others to rob one of their individuality and the unique way they experience and see the world. The line "the only proof of what you are is in the way you hear the truth" is a powerful statement that individuals must make up their minds for themselves and not allow others to shape their beliefs.


Overall, 'Stay Clean' is a call to action for those who want to lead an honest and authentic life, not hampered by external influences. The song stresses the importance of staying true to oneself, being independent, and avoiding the deceptions and falsehoods that can obscure the truth.


Line by Line Meaning

I can tell, seen before
I have experienced this situation before and know what to expect


Know the way, I know the law
I am familiar with the rules and how to navigate this situation


I can't believe, can't obey
I cannot accept or follow what they are telling me to do


Can't agree with all the things that they say
I don't believe everything I am being told


Oh no, don't ask me why
I don't have a specific reason to give you, but I know something is not right


I can't go on with all the filthy white lies
I refuse to continue pretending that everything is okay when I know it's not


Stay clean, stay clean
Stay true to yourself and don't compromise your beliefs or values


Stay clean, stay clean
It's important to maintain integrity and not give in to pressure


Don't you know, all the time
You should always be aware of what's going on around you


You got yours and you know that I have mine
Everyone has their own situation and perspective


Grab a hold, don't let go
Take control of your own life and don't let anyone else dictate it for you


Don't let them rob you of the only way you know
Don't allow others to take away what's important to you or try to change who you are


Oh no, no-one else
No one else has the right to judge or criticize you for being true to yourself


Got the right to make you sorry for yourself
Others should not be allowed to shame or belittle you for living your own life


So you see, the only proof
The only way to know the truth is to experience it yourself


Of what you are is in the way you hear the truth
Your own experience and interpretation of events shapes who you are


Don't be scared, live to win
Don't let fear hold you back; keep pushing yourself and striving for success


Although they're always gonna tell you it's a sin
Others may try to convince you that what you're doing is wrong, but you should continue on your own path


In the end, you're on your own
Ultimately, you are the only one responsible for your own life and decisions


And there is no-one that can stop you being alone
You may feel isolated or unsupported, but no one can force you to compromise your values or beliefs


Stay clean, stay clean
Remain true to yourself and stay committed to your principles


Stay clean, stay clean, it's our only offer
Living with integrity is the only path to true fulfillment and happiness




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD ALAN CLARKE, IAN KILMISTER, PHILIP JOHN TAYLOR

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

@josephsanchez5110

"Stay Clean"

I can tell, seen before
I know the way, I know the law
Can't believe, can't obey
Can't agree with all the things
I hear you say
Oh no, ask me why, I can't
Go on with all the filthy vile lies
Stay clean, stay clean
Stay clean, stay clean

Don't ya know, all the time
You got yours an' ya know that
I got mine
Grab a hold, don't let go
Don't let them rob ya of the only way ya know
Oh no, no-one else, got the
right to make you sorry for yourself
Stay clean, stay clean
Stay clean, stay clean

So you see, the only proof
Of what you are is in the way
You hear the truth
Don't be scared, live to win
Although they're always gonna tell ya it's a sin
In the end, you're on your own
And there is no one that can stop you being alone



All comments from YouTube:

@bera3905

1:13-1:47
That Dirty Bass Tone. No one does it better.

@Alonoda

Just learned it, can not get near that sound...

@patrickperry6898

It's actually not hard to get that dirty bass tone, you just need lemmy signature rickenbacker, lemmy signature Marshall head, 4 12 Marshall can, 4 15 Marshall cab, lemmys fingers and to be lemmy

@patrickperry6898

*cab

@arddermout6946

@@patrickperry6898 actually any rickenbacker bass with overdrive(or just crank up the amp) will do hahaha. it's not that hard but rickenbackers are expensive

@ORGASMATRON-oj3fh

This is why I like this part

20 More Replies...

@estebangomez7024

'Don't be scared, live to win. Although they're always gonna tell you it's a sin' Man I live by those words.

@mattkelly9516

I hear you my friend

@salvailmichele

Did Lemme get clean?

@swehog

@@salvailmichele To my understanding Lemmy meant stay clean as in of other people's opinions on your way of living. Basically; live for yourself and fuck those trying to make you feel bad.

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