I Am the One
Rancid Lyrics


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Are you gonna be ready to use it
If you hesitate they'll pursue it
Put the gun to the dome no question
Now the holy ghost in question

What about the banks
When they say go
Standing at the top and can't let go
Standin' can't take can't take that time
When I try sometime I can't stay high

Are you gonna be ready to use it
If you hesitate they'll pursue it
Good and evil come from above
Death peace eternal love

Bleeding at the gates and I can't come in
Courage that abates a life of sin




Sure that it holds and it holds no others
With the lies of the brave and the kid don't matter

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Am the One" by Rancid are quite cryptic and open to interpretation. The first stanza suggests that there is a conflict that requires a readiness to use a gun, with the possibility of hesitation leading to pursuit by the opposing forces. However, the line "now the holy ghost in question" brings in a religious element, perhaps suggesting that the use of force is leading to a questioning of faith.


The second stanza brings in the idea of power dynamics, with a reference to banks. The singer is at the top, unable to let go but also unable to stay high. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for being trapped in a position of power but unable to escape its negative effects. The third stanza brings in concepts of good and evil, with death, peace, and eternal love appearing to be the ultimate answers.


The final stanza is particularly difficult to unpack, with references to bleeding at the gates and courage that abates a life of sin. It seems to suggest a struggle to gain entry or access to something, with the price being a life of moral compromise. The final two lines - "with the lies of the brave and the kid don't matter" - could be a commentary on the falsehoods and illusions of those in power, leading to a sense of hopelessness amongst those who are powerless.


Overall, the song seems to be exploring themes of power, violence, faith, and morality - all issues that are still relevant today. The lyrics are deliberately ambiguous, encouraging the listener to bring their own interpretation to the table.


Line by Line Meaning

Are you gonna be ready to use it
Asking if you have the courage to take action


If you hesitate they'll pursue it
Urging you to act before it's too late


Put the gun to the dome no question
Using violent imagery to emphasize the urgency of the situation


Now the holy ghost in question
Raising doubts about the morality of the situation


What about the banks
Questioning the power structures that control society


When they say go
Highlighting the pressure to conform to societal norms


Standing at the top and can't let go
Feeling trapped by success or power


Standin' can't take can't take that time
Feeling like there's no time to relax or slow down


When I try sometime I can't stay high
Struggling with substance abuse or addiction


Good and evil come from above
Believing that morality is divinely ordained


Death peace eternal love
Emphasizing the suffering of life and the possibility of transcendence


Bleeding at the gates and I can't come in
Feeling excluded from society or a group


Courage that abates a life of sin
Suggesting that courage can lead to redemption


Sure that it holds and it holds no others
Believing that something is certain and exclusive


With the lies of the brave and the kid don't matter
Seeing the dishonesty and selfishness of those in power




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: ROGER M. FREEMAN, TIMOTHY ARMSTRONG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@willcal3679

Great song

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