The Hell of It
Paul Williams Lyrics


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Roll on thunder shine on lightnin' the days are long and the nights are frightnin'
Nothing matters anyway and that's the hell of it
Winter comes and the winds blow colder well some grew wiser you just grew older
And you never listened anyway and that's the hell of it

Good for nothin' bad in bed nobody likes you and you're better off dead goodbye
We've all come to say goodbye goodbye
Born defeated died in vain
Super destruction you were hooked on pain and tho' your music lingers on
All of us are glad you're gone
If I could live my life half as worthlessly as you
I'm convinced that I'd wind up burning too

Love yourself as you love no other be no man's fool be no man's brother
We're all born to die alone y'know that's the hell of it
Life's a game where they're bound to beat you and time's a trick they can turn to cheat you
And we only waste it anyway and that's the hell of it

Good for nothin' bad in bed nobody likes you and you're better off dead goodbye
We've all come to say goodbye
Born defeated died in vain




Super destruction you were hooked on pain and tho' your music lingers on
All of us are glad you're gone

Overall Meaning

"The Hell of It" is a song by Paul Williams that was released as part of the soundtrack of the movie "Phantom of the Paradise" in 1974. The song speaks of the futility of life and the inevitability of death. The opening lyrics describe the passage of time as if it were a storm, with thunder and lightning being used as metaphors for the days and nights passing by. The line "nothing matters anyway and that's the hell of it" suggests that the singer is resigned to the inevitability of life's struggles and ultimately, death.


The second verse of the song describes the passing of time as winter arrives, and some have grown wiser while others like the singer have just grown older without learning anything. This suggests a sense of regret and missed opportunities. The chorus is a scathing and harsh commentary on the life of a person who is "good for nothing, bad in bed" and "hooked on pain." This suggests a life of nihilism and self-destructive behavior, ultimately leading to the person's demise. The song ends on a somber note as it acknowledges that everything in life is fleeting and we will all die alone.


Line by Line Meaning

Roll on thunder shine on lightnin' the days are long and the nights are frightnin'
The passage of time seems never-ending; the days drag on and the nights are filled with fear and anxiety.


Nothing matters anyway and that's the hell of it
Life has lost its meaning; everything seems pointless and that is the worst part of it all.


Winter comes and the winds blow colder well some grew wiser you just grew older
While some people mature and become wiser as they age, the singer feels like they have only grown older without gaining any wisdom.


And you never listened anyway and that's the hell of it
Despite the artist's attempts to impart wisdom, their words always fell on deaf ears, and they are left feeling helpless.


Good for nothin' bad in bed nobody likes you and you're better off dead goodbye
The artist is addressing someone who is essentially worthless and unlikable, and suggests that death may be preferable to living such a life.


We've all come to say goodbye goodbye
The focus of the song has shifted to a funeral or some other form of goodbye gathering.


Born defeated died in vain
The person being eulogized had a life that lacked significant accomplishments or meaning, leading to a feeling of defeat or insignificance.


Super destruction you were hooked on pain
Despite their lack of success or recognition, the person being honored may have found some kind of perverse pleasure in their own internal turmoil or torment.


and tho' your music lingers on all of us are glad you're gone
Although the person had some kind of impact on others, perhaps through their music or art, their absence is still viewed as a positive thing by those who knew them in life.


If I could live my life half as worthlessly as you I'm convinced that I'd wind up burning too
The artist is contemplating the idea that leading a worthless life could lead to a fiery demise or punishment in the afterlife.


Love yourself as you love no other be no man's fool be no man's brother
The singer is urging listeners to prioritize self-love and self-preservation over the opinions or demands of others.


We're all born to die alone y'know that's the hell of it
Death is an inevitable part of life, and it is a scary and isolating prospect that we all have to face.


Life's a game where they're bound to beat you and time's a trick they can turn to cheat you
Life is unfair and difficult, and time can seem to work against us and sabotage our efforts.


And we only waste it anyway and that's the hell of it
Despite the struggles of life, the singer feels like time is still being wasted and opportunities are being squandered.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL H. WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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