Imperfection
No For An Answer Lyrics
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Let me sleep,
I'm not a saviour, can't be a judge,
I will not enter one's life as such,
Is it the burden of one who speaks his mind,
To then defend it with all of his time?
My guilts, my instincts, they guide me,
My beliefs,
And thus I see mine as a just cause,
Full knowing my compensation has it's flaws,
Aware of the fact that I am just a man,
Accepting of the strength and wisdom you might have,
I'm imperfect...and just a man,
I'm imperfect...I am just a man, human.
I've spoken my piece, please leave me,
Let me sleep,
I live and love outspoken and that's my fate,
Ignoring the oppurtunity curse that's hate,
Stating it for the record as is my right,
I still pursue the cleanest mpst righteous life.
The lyrics to No For An Answer's "Imperfection" explore the idea of speaking one's mind and holding one's beliefs, while acknowledging the imperfections and limitations of this approach. The opening lines express a desire for solitude and rest, signaling a weariness with the weight of the singer's convictions. The subsequent lines make it clear that the singer does not claim to be a savior or a judge, but rather someone who follows their own conscience and acts on their own beliefs.
Despite this, the singer is not immune to doubt or self-criticism, as evidenced by the lines "Is it the burden of one who speaks his mind, / To then defend it with all of his time?" The question suggests that the singer recognizes the difficulties of holding strong convictions and the need to constantly defend them from opposition or scrutiny.
The final lines of the song emphasize the singer's humanity and imperfections, as well as their commitment to a "clean" and "righteous" life, despite the obstacles that come with it. Overall, "Imperfection" offers a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and limitations of individual conviction and the courage it takes to hold firmly to one's beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
I've spoken my piece, please leave me,
I have expressed my opinion, please respect my desire for silence and not engage me further.
Let me sleep,
Allow me some peace and freedom from the constant pressure of having to explain or defend my thoughts.
I'm not a saviour, can't be a judge,
I am not capable of saving others or passing judgments on them; I can only be responsible for myself.
I will not enter one's life as such,
I am not interested in interfering in anyone's personal affairs, as it is not my place to do so.
Is it the burden of one who speaks his mind,
Does speaking one's mind come with the responsibility of defending it at all costs?
To then defend it with all of his time?
To spend all of one's time justifying and defending one's opinion, even if it makes no difference in changing anyone's mind?
My guilts, my instincts, they guide me,
My personal values and instincts influence my thoughts and actions.
My beliefs,
My convictions and values shape my perspective on the world and how I interact with it.
And thus I see mine as a just cause,
I believe my beliefs and actions are morally right and contribute to a better world.
Full knowing my compensation has it's flaws,
Even though I am aware that my actions and beliefs are not perfect, I still believe they are the best I can offer.
Aware of the fact that I am just a man,
I am aware of my limitations as a human being, including the fact that I can make mistakes and am not all-knowing.
Accepting of the strength and wisdom you might have,
I am open to hearing others' opinions and ideas, as they may offer valuable insights from which I can learn and evolve.
I'm imperfect...and just a man,
I acknowledge that I am not perfect and am subject to making mistakes, as all humans are.
I'm imperfect...I am just a man, human.
I recognize that I am fallible and constantly learning, and that this is a natural aspect of being human.
I live and love outspoken and that's my fate,
I choose to live and express my opinions openly and honestly, even if it means facing criticism and resistance.
Ignoring the opportunity curse that's hate,
I refuse to let hatred and negativity impact my thoughts and actions, and instead choose to focus on positive values.
Stating it for the record as is my right,
I have the right to express my opinions and beliefs, and I am doing so without fear of retribution.
I still pursue the cleanest most righteous life.
I am committed to living a life that upholds my values and beliefs, even if it means facing obstacles and challenges along the way.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER BRATTON, GAVIN OGLESBY, DANIEL O'MAHONY, STERLING WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EnrX73
I've spoken my piece, please leave me,
Let me sleep,
I'm not a saviour, can't be a judge,
I will not enter one's life as such,
Is it the burden of one who speaks his mind,
To then defend it with all of his time?
My guilts, my instincts, they guide me,
My beliefs,
And thus I see mine as a just cause,
Full knowing my compensation has it's flaws,
Aware of the fact that I am just a man,
Accepting of the strength and wisdom you might have,
I'm imperfect... And just a man,
I'm imperfect... I am just a man, human.
I've spoken my piece, please leave me,
Let me sleep,
I live and love outspoken and that's my fate,
Ignoring the oppurtunity curse that's hate,
Stating it for the record as is my right,
I still pursue the cleanest righteous life.
@xxcatchmyshadowxx
Dan u are still the man! 20 years ago, u and ur band changed my life and those of thousands of others for the better, i am 38 now and i can still feel the magic. Ur personal choices remain yours but the spirit is ours, together!
@cargawar
How awesome is this!! I've played that record a million times and now I finally see the footage! Always wondered what that show was like... Oh and yeah: Dan is still the man.
@ExUSSailor
Used to have the Hawker Records live album this was from! Also had, Rest in Pieces, Wrecking Crew, and the incomparable Token Entry! "Oh my God, it's Anarchy!"
@marcomarco972
GREAT GREAT GREAT NFAA!!!
@almasaker
awesome
@WindsOfNeptune
I used to have the cassette tape of this show w/ Rest In Pieces and Token Entry! Bad Ass.
@samhainkid
@ExUSSailor that was the "Free for All" comp. i still have that cassette too!
@reformtorta
does anyone have "when will it end" footage from this show? it always sends shivers down my spine when i listen to it on the record. all four bands ripped. essential.
@MrChattyO
Cool! This is from the Free For All record!
@EnrX73
I've spoken my piece, please leave me,
Let me sleep,
I'm not a saviour, can't be a judge,
I will not enter one's life as such,
Is it the burden of one who speaks his mind,
To then defend it with all of his time?
My guilts, my instincts, they guide me,
My beliefs,
And thus I see mine as a just cause,
Full knowing my compensation has it's flaws,
Aware of the fact that I am just a man,
Accepting of the strength and wisdom you might have,
I'm imperfect... And just a man,
I'm imperfect... I am just a man, human.
I've spoken my piece, please leave me,
Let me sleep,
I live and love outspoken and that's my fate,
Ignoring the oppurtunity curse that's hate,
Stating it for the record as is my right,
I still pursue the cleanest righteous life.