Jesse Michaels – vocals
Tim Armstrong – guitar
Matt Freeman – bass
Dave Mello – drums
Caution
Operation Ivy Lyrics
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The song "Caution" by Operation Ivy is a hard-hitting punk rock song with lyrics that can be interpreted in multiple ways. The opening line "Caution is a word that I can't understand" sets the tone for the whole song. The singer is conveying the sense of confusion and misunderstanding that he feels about the world around him. The second line, "See-a-you-t-I-o-n was a word I could not understand," emphasizes his point further. It's a jab at the complicated language that people use and the way that they often hide their true intentions behind a veil of big words and confusing phrases.
The third line, "Walked the dog with a real short leash, turned around, saw the dog walk me," is a metaphor for how we often feel like we're in control of our lives, only to realize that we're actually being controlled by something else. The singer is likening himself to a dog on a leash, and he realizes that the situation has been flipped. He's being led around by the dog, not the other way around.
The next few lines talk about the cold and impersonal nature of modern architecture and how it affects people. "Stainless steel and painted glass give me a pulse like a hammer and a mind to match" is a statement about the clinical, unfeeling nature of modern design. The singer is saying that it makes him feel like a machine, not a human being. The last few lines, "No relief, no food, no sleep. When you're king for a day, you're a whore for a week. I didn't get it then, I think I got it now. Caution, my friend, don't step in the water 'til you know you can swim," are all about the dangers of making impulsive decisions. The singer is cautioning the listener to be careful and to think things through before acting, or they'll pay the price.
Line by Line Meaning
Caution is a word that I can't understand
I have trouble comprehending the concept of caution.
see-a-you-t-I-o-n was a word I could not understand
Even the spelling of caution confounds me.
walked the dog with a real short leash turned around saw the dog walk me
I thought I was in control of the situation, but in reality, the dog was leading me.
stainless steel and painted glass
These materials represent a cold, sterile, and superficial world.
give me a pulse like a hammer and a mind to match
I desire a strong heartbeat and intelligence to match my ambition.
no relief no food no sleep
I am willing to sacrifice my basic needs to achieve my goals.
when you're king for a day you're a whore for a week
Those who attain success quickly often pay a heavy price for it later.
I didn't get it then I think I got it now
I was naive before, but now I understand the importance of caution.
caution my friend don't step in the water 'til you know you can swim
Advice to be wary of certain situations until you are fully equipped to handle them.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: David M Mello, Jesse Michaels, Roger Matthew Freeman, Timothy Armstrong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@deca-lo2jl
Life Skateboards. John Reeves and the Donger! One my fav video sections of all time. Perfect song and amazing skating.
@theJACK__
yes!
@gswdeclan
We'd always listen to this before a surf sesh as kids. Memories.
@mikeseely5953
The way i skated this song was the real....doctors love me cause im making thier yacht payment...
@uneeda420
Caution my friend, dont step into the water til you know you can swim.
@rgiri77
I'm in no way dissing op ivy. But this would always make my friends laugh, since we could never wok out the 'caution' only the '... is a word I can't understand'. Made it universal since we couldn't understand what Jesse was saying either :)
@uzidude132
man im glad my friend told me about this band
@sadieberube4675
the three people that disliked stepped in the water before they could swim
@escapethehero
LOVE THIS SONG
@tinynuggins1029
Does anyone else get this song stuck in their head whenever they have to write or spell the word caution. Hahaha