FEVER
Oh Mercy Lyrics


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I'm dying pooch, you oughta put me down
I turned a sickly shade of grey whilst other guys got brown
Some peoples said I was good, other peoples said I was great
I met the governor of california, called him mate

And he kicked me straight in the guts, men
He's got me dragging my feet, men
I had the clowns, had the horses, had pigeons too
I had the whole damn circus promise my debut
Then I called for the doctor, I said 'well my head aches'
He said 'the birds just go crazy for that dead beat taste'
Dead beat taste I got the black bird baby picking at my brains Just sold my soul to the devil but the devil don't pay
The devil don't pay I got a fever foxy mumma, used to make me feel good
But that same fever baby don't make feel like it should
Now there's a woman before me I guess my luck has changed
I try to give her what she wants but my will has been broken

Had it all planned out, I drew a map in the sand
Then the hurricane hit now I'm in hostile land
Things are going pretty bad I guess they can only get worst
I got sent the Jesus freaks when all I need is a nurse

I got the black bird baby picking at my brains Just tie my bones to the saddle, let go of the reins

You might find yourself walking down a cobble stone street
You see me tied to the column where the wise men speak
I hear they're giving out stones so let your aim be true
And don't pity me because I wouldn't pity you




I wouldn't pity you I got the black bird baby picking at my brains Just sold my soul to the devil but the devil don't pay
I got the black bird baby picking at my brains Just tie my bones to the saddle, let go of the reins

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Oh Mercy's "Fever" paint a vivid picture of a man who once had it all, but is now in dire straits. He is dying, his skin is turning grey, and while he used to be the talk of the town, he is no longer in demand. He even sold his soul to the devil but hasn't received payment. The imagery of a black bird picking at his brain adds to the sense of decay and hopelessness.


The song can be interpreted in different ways, but it seems to be a commentary on the fickle nature of fame and success. The singer had a taste of it and couldn't handle it, leading to his downfall. The governor of California kicking him in the guts may symbolize a fall from grace, and the hurricane that hit him represents unforeseen consequences and disasters in life. The woman he mentions may offer hope, but he has lost his sense of purpose and will to live.


The chorus of the song, with the repeated line "I got the black bird baby picking at my brains," suggests that the singer is struggling with his own inner demons and regrets. It's a powerful and haunting image that stays with the listener long after the song has ended.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm dying pooch, you oughta put me down
I am sickly and dying, it would be best to end my suffering


I turned a sickly shade of grey whilst other guys got brown
While others thrive, I am deteriorating and weak


Some peoples said I was good, other peoples said I was great
There are mixed opinions about me and my abilities


I met the governor of california, called him mate
I had the opportunity to meet and speak with a high-ranking political figure


And he kicked me straight in the guts, men
Despite my respect for him, he treated me harshly and without regard for my feelings


He's got me dragging my feet, men
I am struggling to move forward in a positive direction due to his mistreatment


I had the clowns, had the horses, had pigeons too
I had all the elements of a successful performance or career


I had the whole damn circus promise my debut
Even with promises and potential, my success never materialized


Then I called for the doctor, I said 'well my head aches'
I sought help when I experienced pain or difficulty


He said 'the birds just go crazy for that dead beat taste'
The situation that caused my pain or difficulty is very appealing to others despite its negative impact on me


Dead beat taste I got the black bird baby picking at my brains Just sold my soul to the devil but the devil don't pay
I am consumed by negative thoughts and pressures, and my efforts are not being rewarded


The devil don't pay I got a fever foxy mumma, used to make me feel good
Even things that were once enjoyable to me are now causing me negative effects


But that same fever baby don't make feel like it should
The 'fever' no longer brings me the same satisfaction it once did


Now there's a woman before me I guess my luck has changed
A new opportunity or relationship has presented itself to me and I hope it will bring positive change


I try to give her what she wants but my will has been broken
I want to make things work with this woman but my motivation and ability to do so have been compromised


Had it all planned out, I drew a map in the sand
I had a clear plan for my life and future


Then the hurricane hit now I'm in hostile land
Despite my plans, unexpected events have thrown me into a difficult and unfriendly environment


Things are going pretty bad I guess they can only get worst
My situation is already dire, and it seems likely to get worse


I got sent the Jesus freaks when all I need is a nurse
I am receiving help or advice from people that don't understand or can't address my specific needs


Just tie my bones to the saddle, let go of the reins
I am so exhausted and defeated that I am willing to relinquish control and let fate take its course


You might find yourself walking down a cobble stone street
The listener may find themselves in an unexpected or challenging situation


You see me tied to the column where the wise men speak
I am immobile and trapped, unable to seek or receive guidance


I hear they're giving out stones so let your aim be true
Others are casting blame and criticism, so the listener should be careful and precise in their own actions


And don't pity me because I wouldn't pity you
I don't want to be seen as a victim, and wouldn't treat others as such either




Contributed by Anthony P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@giovannabeatrizpereira2608

Amoo Essaa Muusiicaa ❤❤😍😘

@samanthagranillomartinez9395

como se llama el grupo
no lo encuentro

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