Selfish
Ned´s Atomic Dustbin Lyrics
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You don't want to hear
Be careful you might say something
That you really mean
You say 'take things easy,
Go and have some fun'
But my mind is hazy
About times I've spent alone
You don't want to feel
Be careful, you might learn something
You don't want to know
I'll take things steady
Go on and be alone
I hope your head's aching
From having too much fun
If I don't know what's cool
Will you call me a loser?
If I don't bend the rules
Will I stay a loser?
The selfish gene in me has finally come into being
He's teaching me how to be mean
But that's a sorry, sorry state to be in
Stop yawning, stop yearning
And wake up
What you want to do is wake up
The lyrics of Ned's Atomic Dustbin's song "Selfish" delve into the inner-conflict of a person who doesn't quite fit in with the popular crowd. The first verse warns the listener to be careful about hearing or saying things that might reveal one's true self. The character portrayed in the song is one who feels out of place but is also unsure of how to fit in. They don't fully understand how others find enjoyment in certain activities and experiences - all while battling their own loneliness. The second verse is a warning that if one becomes too engrossed in trying to fit in, they might inadvertently learn something they don't want to know or feel something unpleasant. The chorus reveals the singer's longing to belong and be accepted, but also reveals their vulnerable side, showing signs of someone who is eager to learn and be part of the group. The third and fourth verses touch on the anxiety of not fitting in and the fear of being a loser. The selfish gene referenced in the song is the impulse to only look after oneself, which this character is starting to embrace, despite the unhappiness they feel with this path.
Overall, the song highlights the insecurities and anxieties of someone who is an outcast but desires to belong. The singer is battling their sense of self and shame over not fitting in, while trying to remain true to themselves. It is a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in with the "cool" crowd.
Line by Line Meaning
Be careful, you might hear something
Be cautious of what you might overhear.
You don't want to hear
The information you might hear is undesired.
Be careful you might say something
Be mindful of your words.
That you really mean
Do not say things you do not intend to convey.
You say 'take things easy,
You suggest taking things lightly.
Go and have some fun'
Encourage someone to enjoy themselves.
But my mind is hazy
My mind is not clear.
About times I've spent alone
I am not sure how I feel about being by myself.
So be careful, you might feel something
Be cautious of what you might experience.
You don't want to feel
The emotions that may arise can be distressing.
Be careful, you might learn something
Be cautious of what you might discover.
You don't want to know
The knowledge obtained may be unwanted.
I'll take things steady
I will proceed with caution.
Go on and be alone
I am comfortable being by myself.
I hope your head's aching
I hope you are not enjoying yourself too much.
From having too much fun
You are having an excessive amount of fun.
If I don't know what's cool
If I am uncertain what is trendy.
Will you call me a loser?
Will I be branded negatively if I do not know what is cool?
If I don't bend the rules
If I do not deviate from established methods.
Will I stay a loser?
Will I always be seen as inadequate?
The selfish gene in me has finally come into being
I have become self-centered.
He's teaching me how to be mean
My ego is instructing me to be unkind.
But that's a sorry, sorry state to be in
Being in such a state is lamentable.
Stop yawning, stop yearning
Stop being without motivation or ambition.
And wake up
You need to become more alert and aware.
What you want to do is wake up
It is in your best interest to become more alert and aware.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEXANDER THOMAS GRIFFIN, DANIEL CHARLES WORTON, GARETH JOHN PRING, JOHNATHAN PENNEY, MATTHEW RICHARD CHESLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind