What You Deserve
Pennywise Lyrics


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The first impression you got typical policeman so it
Seems he took ride in his badge and gun
But on the inside what was on his deranged mind he was
Caught doing what he thought was good clean fun
From Scotland Yard to behind bars
I hope you get what you deserve
To protect and serve it seemed like
You protected she served now let's
See you go through the torture that you put her through
My heart's out to the lady who will live the rest of her life in fear of




Someone we were always taught to look up to
Can't trust that policeman no more

Overall Meaning

The song "What You Deserve" by Pennywise is a scathing critique of police brutality and corruption. The lyrics describe a police officer who appears to be a typical law enforcement officer on the surface, but who is revealed to be a sadistic criminal behind closed doors. The song suggests that this officer has been caught abusing his power and indulging in "good clean fun" at the expense of others.


The chorus of the song, "I hope you get what you deserve", is a pointed indictment of the officer's behavior and a call for justice to be served. The lyrics express sympathy for the officer's victim, who will forever live in fear of someone who was supposed to protect and serve her.


Overall, "What You Deserve" is a powerful commentary on the abuse of power and the betrayal of public trust by those in positions of authority. It is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice must be pursued relentlessly to hold corrupt officials accountable for their actions.


Line by Line Meaning

The first impression you got typical policeman so it
The policeman appeared to be like every other police officer at first glance, but...


Seems he took ride in his badge and gun
...in reality, the power that came with his badge and gun went to his head...


But on the inside what was on his deranged mind he was
...and he was secretly indulging in his twisted desires...


Caught doing what he thought was good clean fun
...believing that his actions were harmless and acceptable under his authority.


From Scotland Yard to behind bars
The full extent of his actions were exposed and he was arrested and imprisoned.


I hope you get what you deserve
The singer wishes for the officer to receive proper punishment for his crimes.


To protect and serve it seemed like
The officer's duty to protect and serve the public seemed genuine...


You protected she served now let's
...but in reality, he abused his power to victimize a member of the public.


See you go through the torture that you put her through
The singer wishes for the officer to experience the same pain and suffering as his victim.


My heart's out to the lady who will live the rest of her life in fear of
The singer empathizes with the victim and acknowledges the long-term emotional impact of the officer's actions.


Someone we were always taught to look up to
The singer laments the betrayal of trust by someone who was supposed to be an authority figure to be respected.


Can't trust that policeman no more
The singer concludes that the actions of one individual have irreparably damaged the public's trust of the police force as a whole.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BYRON C. MCMACKIN, FLETCHER DOUGLAS DRAGGE, JAMES WILLIAM LINDBERG, JASON MATTHEW THIRSK, RANDY JAMES BRADBURY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

David Olivares

The first impression you got typical policeman so it
Seems he took ride in his badge and gun
But on the inside what was on his deranged mind he was
Caught doing what he thought was good clean fun
From Scotland Yard to behind bars
I hope you get what you deserve
To protect and serve it seemed like
You protected she served now let's
See you go through the torture that you put her through
My heart's out to the lady who will live the rest of her life in fear of
Someone we were always taught to look up to
Can't trust that policeman no more



Kafre80

The first impression you got typical policeman so it
Seems he took ride in his badge and gun
But on the inside what was on his deranged mind he was
Caught doing what he thought was good clean fun
From Scotland Yard to behind bars
I hope you get what you deserve
To protect and serve it seemed like
You protected she served now let’s
See you go through the torture that you put her through
My heart’s out to the lady who will live the rest of her life in fear of
Someone we were always taught to look up to
Can’t trust that policeman no more



All comments from YouTube:

DimebagWuest

Pennywise always consistent with good music!

DimebagWuest

Pennywise always consistent with good music!

Ryan Creamer

Not bad! This is a big step. I personally like them a lot better with Jim anyway. Glad you're back! Keep on rocking!

Joe Hill

I love you PENNYWISE!! you guys fueled me at age 13 when i was going through it. 

chris hedrick

so glad jim is back I couldn't  listen with out him he is the voice of pennywise .I grew up with pw I feel like im 18 again im 40 now so I been listening for a long damm time  will have this july 15 awesome . its Christmas in july

Alexandre Vildey

Love this old punk !! o Nice job Pennywise !

Brian Bonsall

This album is way rad!

danny sunburn

Love this album and is the best Pennywise album. like old schools agen.

Dorothy Gage

HELL Yea!!! This song sounds like TV Party! <3

David Olivares

The first impression you got typical policeman so it
Seems he took ride in his badge and gun
But on the inside what was on his deranged mind he was
Caught doing what he thought was good clean fun
From Scotland Yard to behind bars
I hope you get what you deserve
To protect and serve it seemed like
You protected she served now let's
See you go through the torture that you put her through
My heart's out to the lady who will live the rest of her life in fear of
Someone we were always taught to look up to
Can't trust that policeman no more

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