Criminal
Richie Ramone Lyrics


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When we first met the day I lost my mind for you
I do
That time is long ago and gone away for good
By you
But, you didn't tell me
That you'd leave a mess along the way
Criminal
Criminal
And don't laugh at me 'cause it's you who caused the pain
And we're through
I like to stroll along the beach and understand
What was true
But, you didn't tell me
That you'd leave a mess along the way
Criminal
My life, my dreams (criminal) and tears
Criminal
My life, my dreams (criminal) and tears
And one, two, three and it's gone
Before I leave this place
We don't need to say
Why have you taken me?
And when we first met the day I lost my mind for you
I do
But, you didn't tell me
That you'd leave a mess along the way
Criminal
My life, my dreams (criminal) and tears
Criminal
My life, my dreams (criminal) and tears




Criminal
Criminal

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Richie Ramone's song "Criminal" tell the story of a relationship that has gone awry. The singer reflects on the past, remembering the day he met the person who he would later lose his mind for. However, as time passed, the person left a mess along the way, causing the singer to feel pain and frustration. The singer addresses the person directly, calling them a criminal and blaming them for the turmoil in his life.


The chorus is a repetition of the word "criminal", emphasizing the singer's anger and disappointment. He also mentions his life, dreams, and tears, highlighting the significance of this relationship and how it has impacted him. Towards the end of the song, the singer seems resigned to the fact that the relationship is over as he counts down the seconds before he leaves the place. The song ends with a repetition of the word "criminal", bringing the story full circle.


Overall, "Criminal" is a song that explores the aftermath of a failed relationship. The singer grapples with his emotions and remembers the pain caused by the other person. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the complexities of love and loss.


Line by Line Meaning

When we first met the day I lost my mind for you
From the moment I met you and fell for you, I became crazy for you


That time is long ago and gone away for good
That time when we met is long gone and past us, and will never return


By you
You were the one who caused it to be gone and not return


But, you didn't tell me
However, you did not inform me or disclose to me


That you'd leave a mess along the way
That you would leave behind an unpleasant and chaotic situation as we went along


Criminal
You are a criminal, a culprit who caused chaos and harm in my life


And don't laugh at me 'cause it's you who caused the pain
You shouldn't mock or ridicule me for the pain you caused me


And we're through
And now, our relationship and association is completely over


I like to stroll along the beach and understand
I enjoy walking leisurely along the seashore and contemplating


What was true
Trying to figure out what was true and what wasn't


My life, my dreams (criminal) and tears
You affected and ruined every aspect of my life, from my hopes and aspirations to my emotional outpourings


And one, two, three and it's gone
Suddenly, in a snap, everything's gone and irrevocable


Before I leave this place
Before I depart and leave this world


We don't need to say
We don't have to speak or articulate anything


Why have you taken me?
Questioning why you had to inflict so much pain and distress upon me




Writer(s): Reinhardt Richard

Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

butterstix 24

This guy never got enough credit IMO.

entr0py1

Damn, what a great song.  Very good to see he's still making music ...good music!

zoe y cami

el único q mantiene la esencia d los Ramones y no solo canta las canciones d antes sino q hace un punk "fresco "

DEATH CAT TV

Dig this stuff. Richie was always my fav drummer.

Name less

Nice video. "Entitled" is a great record.
Come to Brazil again Richie!

Karrie Wimberly

Richie Ramone is rad.

eeepeeegeee

Wow, very good song by the best drummer Ramones ever had.

Víctor Pizarnik

GRANDE RICHIE! Suena muy fresco este punk, gran gran canción, un punk de puta madre.

Paul Griffiths

All the drummers in the ramones were great...but richie ( in my opinion) is the best. Constantly making great songs 🎵. And as for clare...what a woman!

Martin Cockerill

Great Song, Great Video...Rock On Richie!!!!!!!!!!

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