Just Say No
No For An Answer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That brings one another down?
Group behavior, group as the savior
A circus filled with clowns
Who are these men? Why are they here?
What do they want?
Ruling class, ruling by fear,
Something I am not!
All my life I've felt the push
It's caused me pain
Dilute my system, just to be with them
Why numb my brain?
A pint of fear, a quart of heart,
Is all they've got
Ruling class, ruling by fear,
Something I am not!
JUST SAY NO!!!
NO !
JUST SAY NO!!!
The lyrics to No For An Answer's song "Just Say No" speak to the idea of group mentality and peer pressure. The singer questions why they should join a group or "breed" that brings one another down, calling it a circus filled with clowns. The ruling class is also mentioned as ruling by fear, a tactic the singer rejects. They have felt pressure their whole life to conform and numb themselves, but recognize that this is not who they are, and they assertively state "just say no" to these pressures.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on societal pressures to conform, whether that be to a particular group or ideology, or certain behaviors such as drug use. The idea that group behavior can sometimes be harmful is highlighted, and the importance of staying true to oneself even in the face of that pressure is emphasized. The use of fear as a tool for control is also criticized.
The repetition of "just say no" throughout the song serves as a reminder to listeners that they have agency and can choose to resist negative influence. The powerful, punk-infused music complements the rebellious and assertive lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Why should I join a breed
I question the benefits of becoming part of a group
That brings one another down?
They seem to drag each other down
Group behavior, group as the savior
They believe group mentality can save them
A circus filled with clowns
It's like a circus with clowns, a complete joke
Who are these men? Why are they here?
Who are they and what do they want?
What do they want?
I am curious about their motives
Ruling class, ruling by fear,
They use fear to maintain control like a ruling class
Something I am not!
I don't want to be like that
All my life I've felt the push
I've always felt the pressure to conform
It's caused me pain
Conforming has caused me pain
Dilute my system, just to be with them
I have to dull my senses to fit in with them
Why numb my brain?
I don't want to be brainwashed
A pint of fear, a quart of heart,
They only have a small amount of heart and use a lot of fear
Is all they've got
Their approach is limited
JUST SAY NO!!!
I refuse to conform to their group mentality
NO !
I won't do it
JUST SAY NO!!!
I will stand on my own and not follow their ways
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BELTRAMI, MANTHEI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind