Let's Go
Ramone Lyrics
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Want more action, haven't had my fill
Mercenary, fight for anyone
Fight for money
Fight for fun
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Got a country you want to protect
But your army is more likely to defect
Hire my SMG with a full clip
On automatic it's guaranteed hit
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Gee it's kinda scary out here
Mosquitoes are happy tonight
Mommy, Daddy, can I please come home
Even if just for one night
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Shocked how deadly we fight back
Troublemakers who attack
Mercenary, fight for anyone
Fight for money, fight for fun
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
Let's go
The Ramones's "Let's Go" is a powerful political protest song that exposes a harsh reality of the military-industrial complex. It is a commentary on the use of mercenaries and private military contractors who are hired by governments and corporations to fight wars for profit. The song addresses the disillusionment of soldiers who are deprived and have not had enough action during their military services. They are hungry for more action and seek excitement in fighting conflicts for any side that is willing to pay them.
The first stanza emphasizes the repetitive nature of military life with the singer proclaiming that he is not interested in studying with the GI bill. He has had enough of such a routine, and he is ready for more. The second part of the first stanza points to the mercenary role of the soldiers as they fight for anyone: a government, a rebel force, or even a corporation. These soldiers do not fight for principles or ideologies; they only fight for money or fun.
The second verse, on the other hand, speaks about the untrustworthiness of governments in training and controlling their soldiers. They are more likely to defect and become enemies like the ones they've trained to fight. The singer pleads to be hired instead, with an SMG and a full clip that can guarantee a hit. The final stanza sounds like a reality check for the soldiers who believed they were doing a great and patriotic service. They recognize the harsh truth of fighting conflict, the mosquito-infested environment, and the horrors of the battlefield as they fight back against troublemakers.
Overall, "Let's Go" is an appeal to end the war and the use of mercenary soldiers. The lyrics expose the greed that goes into warfare, pointing to the moral bankruptcy of politics and its cost to soldiers' lives. The song's upbeat, fast tempo creates an ironic contrast to the dark and nihilistic content of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't want to study on the G.I. bill
I'm not interested in following the traditional path of joining the military to pay for my education
Want more action, haven't had my fill
I crave excitement and adventure, and joining the military won't quench that thirst
Mercenary, fight for anyone
I'm willing to work for whoever provides the most pay, regardless of their values or goals
Fight for money
I'm motivated primarily by financial gain, even if it means participating in conflicts I don't believe in
Fight for fun
I enjoy the adrenaline rush of fighting and engaging in combat, even if it's dangerous or deadly
Let's go
I'm ready to take action and pursue my goals, whether they be financial or thrilling
Got a country you want to protect
If you need someone to defend your nation or interests, I'm willing to step up as long as the pay is good
But your army is more likely to defect
Your current military forces may be unreliable or corrupt, making it necessary to hire a mercenary for certain operations
Hire my SMG with a full clip
My weapon of choice is a submachine gun, which I am available to use for the right price
On automatic it's guaranteed hit
I'm skilled at handling firearms and confident in my ability to take out targets quickly and effectively
Gee it's kinda scary out here
Being in dangerous situations isn't always easy, and sometimes even I feel afraid or intimidated
Mosquitoes are happy tonight
Even amidst danger and conflict, life goes on and small things like insects are still present
Mommy, Daddy, can I please come home
Even though I chose this lifestyle, sometimes I still yearn for the comfort and safety of my family and home
Even if just for one night
Even a brief respite from the danger and uncertainty of mercenary work would be welcome and appreciated
Shocked how deadly we fight back
It surprises some people just how effective and efficient mercenaries can be in combat situations
Troublemakers who attack
I see opposing forces or individuals as 'troublemakers' and approach any conflict as a necessary battle
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEE DEE RAMONE, DOUGLAS COLVIN, JEFFREY HYMAN, JOEY RAMONE, JOHN (RAMONE) CUMMINGS, JOHNNY RAMONE, THOMAS ERDELYI, TOMMY RAMONE
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