Violence
Mott the Hoople Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm a missing link, poolroom stink, I can't talk
(Well that's too bad)
What's going on, something's wrong, I can't work
Can't go to school, the teacher's a fool, the preacher's a jerk
(Well that's such a drag)
Got nothing to do, street-corner blues, and nowhere to walk
Violence, violence
It's the only thing that'll make you see sense
(Repeat)
Gotta fight, nothing's right, livin' nowhere
(That's so sad)
Watch out for the gun, snake on the run, hide in my hair
You keep your mouth shut, or you'll get cut. Haha - I like to scare
(Bet you're so mad)
I'm a battery louse, a superstar mouse, I don't care
Get off my back or I'll attack, 'n I don't owe you nothin' (OK)
Head for your hole, you're sick and you're old
'N I'm here to tell you something
Violence, violence




It's the only thing that'll make you see sense
(Repeat several times )

Overall Meaning

The lyrics above are from Mott the Hoople's song "Violence", a track that is characterized by its frustration and anger towards society. The opening lines describe the singer's feelings of being out of place, with a sense of not belonging anywhere. The reference to being a "missing link" suggests a sense of detachment from human norms or expectations while the words "poolroom stink" imply a sense of being trapped in a certain environment.


The following lines depict a scenario where the singer is unable to function as he should, possibly with a subtle suggestion that the world isn’t working quite as it should be. The reference to the teacher and the preacher reinforces the idea that there is no authority worth trusting or listening to. The repeated words, "Well that's such a drag" sound sarcastic, emphasizing the frustration of being stuck in this oppressive society where he sees no hope. The chorus, "Violence, violence, it's the only thing that'll make you see sense", suggests that the only way to be heard and to make a change is through violent actions.


The second verse maintains the same level of hostility and defiance. The singer has a chip on his shoulder and is always on guard, surrounded by danger. He perceives the world as being unjust, marked by corruption, and therefore has to watch his back. His anger and sense of isolation have caused him to respond with violence in order to feel empowered.


Overall, Mott the Hoople's lyrics in "Violence" convey a sense of deep frustration with society, inequality, and perceived injustice. The song suggests that violence is the only way to provoke change or be heard, and that there is no hope for achieving justice through other means.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a missing link, poolroom stink, I can't talk
I am a lowly creature, reeking of cheap cigarettes and alcohol, unable to express myself properly


What's going on, something's wrong, I can't work
I am experiencing inner turmoil and struggles that are preventing me from functioning normally


Can't go to school, the teacher's a fool, the preacher's a jerk
I am unhappy with the education system and religious institutions, and feel they are staffed by incompetent individuals


Got nothing to do, street-corner blues, and nowhere to walk
I am bored, stuck in this place where there is nothing to do and nowhere to go


Violence, violence It's the only thing that'll make you see sense
Committing acts of violence is the only way to get others to understand and respect me


Gotta fight, nothing's right, livin' nowhere
I have to fight for what I believe in because everything in my life seems wrong and I feel aimless


Watch out for the gun, snake on the run, hide in my hair
I am warning you to beware of my weapon and my deceitful nature, as I like to hide things in my hair


You keep your mouth shut, or you'll get cut. Haha - I like to scare
Stay quiet and don't challenge me, or I will harm you. I enjoy intimidating others


I'm a battery louse, a superstar mouse, I don't care
I am a lazy and useless individual, but I still see myself as an important figure and I am apathetic to criticism


Get off my back or I'll attack, 'n I don't owe you nothin' (OK)
Stop bothering me or I will retaliate, and I do not feel obligated to explain myself to you


Head for your hole, you're sick and you're old 'N I'm here to tell you something
Go away and live in seclusion, as you are elderly and sick. I have a message to convey


Violence, violence It's the only thing that'll make you see sense
Once again, I am emphasizing my belief that acts of violence are necessary to make people understand my point of view




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN HUNTER, MICHAEL GEOFFREY RALPHS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions