Shut Up and Play
My Chemical Romance Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well I was there on the day
They sold the cause for the queen
And when the lights all went out
We watched our lives on the screen
I hate the ending myself
But it started with a alright scene

It was the roar of the crowd that gave me heartache to sing
It was a lie when they smiled and said you won't feel a thing
And as we ran from the cops
We laughed so hard it would sting (yeah, yeah, oh)

If I'm so wrong (so wrong, so wrong)
How can you listen all night long (night long, night long)
Now will it matter after I'm gone
Because you never learn a God damn thing

You're just a sad song
With nothing to say
About a lifelong wait for a hospital stay
And if you think that I'm worng
This never meant nothing to ya

I spent my high school career
Spit on and shoved to agree
So I could watch all my heros
Sell a car on T.V.
Bring out the old guillotine
We'll show them what we all mean (yeah, yeah, oh)

If I'm so wrong (so wrong, so wrong)
How could you listen all night long (night long, night long)
Now will it matter after I'm gone
Because you never learn a God damn thing

You're just a sad song
With nothing to say
About a lifelong wait for a hospital stay
And if you think that I'm wrong
This never meant nothing to ya

So go
Go away
Just run
Run away
But where did you run to?
Where did you hide?
Go and find another way
Price you pay

You're just a sad song
With nothing to say
About a lifelong hospital stay
And if you think that I'm wrong
Then this never meant nothing to ya
C'mon
You're just a sad song
With nothing to say
About a lifelong hospital stay
And if you think that I'm wrong




Then this never meant nothing to ya
At (at all, at all, at all)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to My Chemical Romance's song "Disenchanted Shut Up And Play" depict feelings of disillusionment, frustration, and a sense of being let down by the world. The song explores the conflict between expectations and reality, particularly in the context of fame and success. The opening lines reflect on a moment when the cause that the singer believed in was "sold," possibly referring to a betrayal or compromise of ideals. As the lights go out and they see their lives on the screen, they express their dislike for the ending.


The following verses delve into the rollercoaster of emotions associated with their music career. The singer describes the heartache and disappointment that comes with performing to a crowd that may not truly understand the message behind the music. They highlight the deceptive nature of fame, where smiles hide the pain and the numbing effect it can have on one's emotional experiences. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of defiance and camaraderie shown through laughter and running from the authorities. This may symbolize a rebellion against the expectations and pressures of the music industry.


The chorus serves as a self-reflection on the singer's own existence. They feel like a sad song, void of meaning, and express the frustration of being misunderstood and overlooked. The reference to a "lifelong wait for a hospital stay" may suggest a metaphorical longing for an escape or release from the struggles they face. The lines, "And if you think that I'm wrong, this never meant nothing to ya," could be a response to those who undermine or dismiss their feelings and experiences.


The final section takes on a more confrontational tone. The singer tells someone to go away and run, questioning where they would go and hide. It seems to imply that the person they are addressing cannot comprehend or handle the truth and intensity of their emotions. The repetition of the chorus underscores the sense of frustration and a desire for validation or understanding.


Overall, "Disenchanted Shut Up And Play" reflects on the disheartening contradictions and challenges faced by the singer in their pursuit of their artistic vision and the often shallow nature of fame.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I was there on the day
I witnessed the events firsthand


They sold the cause for the queen
They betrayed their ideals for personal gain


And when the lights all went out
And when everything fell apart


We watched our lives on the screen
We witnessed our own downfall


I hate the ending myself
I despise the outcome


But it started with a alright scene
But it began with a promising beginning


It was the roar of the crowd that gave me heartache to sing
The applause of the crowd brought me pain as I sang my heart out


It was a lie when they smiled and said you won't feel a thing
Their smiles were deceitful when they reassured me that I wouldn't feel any pain


And as we ran from the cops
And as we fled from the authorities


We laughed so hard it would sting (yeah, yeah, oh)
We laughed so intensely that it hurt


If I'm so wrong (so wrong, so wrong)
If my beliefs are so misguided


How can you listen all night long (night long, night long)
Why do you continue to listen for hours on end


Now will it matter after I'm gone
Will any of it have significance once I'm gone


Because you never learn a God damn thing
Because you refuse to learn anything


You're just a sad song
You're only a melancholic tune


With nothing to say
That has no meaningful message


About a lifelong wait for a hospital stay
About a lifetime of waiting for a hospitalization


And if you think that I'm wrong
And if you believe that I'm mistaken


This never meant nothing to ya
Then this never held any significance for you


I spent my high school career
I endured my entire high school experience


Spit on and shoved to agree
Being rejected and pushed around to conform


So I could watch all my heros
So I could witness my idols


Sell a car on T.V.
Sell out and advertise on television


Bring out the old guillotine
Let's reveal the truth and bring about some drastic change


We'll show them what we all mean (yeah, yeah, oh)
We'll demonstrate the true intention behind our actions


Go away
Leave


Just run
Escape


Run away
Flee


But where did you run to?
But where did you seek refuge?


Where did you hide?
Where did you conceal yourself?


Go and find another way
Discover an alternative path


Price you pay
The consequences you face


Then this never meant nothing to ya
Then this never held any significance for you


C'mon
Come on


At (at all, at all, at all)
Not at all




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

iethyzki

“I waited so long for someone to say if you can move on I’ll never get you to stay” that hit me so hard that a g-note escaped my eye

Jay Avera

Disenchanted is one of my fave songs off the black parade album
Hearing this first version of it is wicked cool

New Mystery

I think this version is actually think this is on the living with ghosts

emo_panini

Disenchanted already brings me to tears, The lyrics in this one aren’t a dramatic difference but have a stronger impact. Wtf is wrong with my brain—

Nico

i think it’s just the rawness of it? but i know what you mean

emo_panini

@Nico probably. The rawness holds all of the emotion.

SObS4514

It actually sounds like three cheers version of Disenchanted.

BEEZECHURGER

@SObS4514 totally

Eugene DK

listening to the origin of my favorite song brought me to tears

John Peterson

I saw this live (not this exact recording but this song) back when MCR toured with Alkaline Trio and Reggie and the Full Effect just a year after 3C4SR came out. Like, 11 fucking years ago. Wow. Nostalgia.

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