On August 18, 2014, RCR held a reunion/farewell show in Lebanon, NH. All former members of the band were invited to come and play at this swan song performance. Approximately 16 members were able to attend, each playing on songs that they helped to produce or toured on, others filling in where necessary. The band has not toured or recorded official new material since then, though numerous side-projects have popped up over the years.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, T.Rex, Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons, The Rolling Stones, and many others, The River City Rebels seize "The true essence of rock and roll music," and shake the shit out of the non-believers!
Hate to be Loved
River City Rebels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't drag no more.
Restraining orders and phony callers,
You're still stalking.
Baby better back the fuck off!
When will you learn you lost your turn?
I ain't no show piece, and I never was!
Hate to be loved
(Hate to be loved)
I hate to be loved!
(Hate to be loved)
Don't care for me babe,
'Cause I don't care for you.
'Cause I don't care for you.
Back off baby I got better things to do
Then hanga hanga hang around with you.
One on one and to the world,
You're still talking.
Baby better shut her fucking mouth!
When will you learn you lost your turn?
I ain't no show piece, and I never was.
Hate to be loved
(hate to be loved)
I hate to be loved!
(hate to be loved)
Don't care for me babe,
'Cause I don't care for you.
'Cause I don't care for you.
'Cause I don't care for you.
'Cause I don't care for you.
I'll take a homeless night in the snow.
I'd rather lose it all than deal with your shit.
Don't care for me now, baby.
Don't care for me!
Don't care for me now, baby.
Don't care for me!
Hate to be loved
Hate to be loved
Hate to be loved
Hate to be loved
Hate to be loved
(Hate to be loved)
I hate to be loved!
(Hate to be loved)
Don't care for me babe,
'Cause I don't care for you.
'Cause I don't care for you.
The River City Rebels's song "Hate to be Loved" is a punk rock anthem about a toxic and obsessive relationship. The lyrics describe the singer's frustration and anger towards a person who won't take no for an answer. The singer is tired of being stalked and harassed by this person, and they refuse to be controlled or manipulated any longer. The chorus, "hate to be loved," is a sarcastic statement, indicating that the singer would rather be alone than be in a destructive relationship.
The song paints a vivid picture of an emotionally and mentally draining relationship. The singer is exasperated with the constant demands and clinginess of the person, and they want nothing more than to be left alone. Even the thought of being loved by this person causes resentment and disgust. The lyrics also suggest that the singer is willing to give up everything, including their material possessions, just to be free from this person's grasp.
Overall, "Hate to be Loved" is a powerful and relatable song that addresses the issue of unhealthy relationships. It calls out the problems of controlling behavior and the importance of respecting boundaries in any relationship. It serves as a reminder that self-love and personal freedom are essential, and one should not compromise them for the sake of being loved.
Line by Line Meaning
Over baggage baby's dead weight
I am tired of carrying the burden of this relationship
I can't drag no more.
I cannot continue to put in effort to maintain this relationship
Restraining orders and phony callers,
Your persistent stalking behavior has caused me to take legal actions against you
You're still stalking.
Despite the legal actions, you continue to stalk me which is unacceptable
Baby better back the fuck off!
Stop harassing and interfering with my life as I want nothing to do with you anymore
When will you learn you lost your turn?
You have lost your chance with me and need to accept it
I ain't no show piece, and I never was!
I refuse to be treated as an object for your satisfaction or entertainment
Hate to be loved
I do not want to be loved or pursued by you
(Hate to be loved)
I strongly dislike the idea of being loved by you
Don't care for me babe,
I do not want your affection or attention
'Cause I don't care for you.
I do not have any feelings or interest in you anymore
Back off baby I got better things to do
I have other important things to focus on in my life and you are not one of them
Then hanga hanga hang around with you.
I do not enjoy spending time with you and do not want to be around you
One on one and to the world,
Whether we are together privately or publicly, I do not want any association with you
You're still talking.
You continue to behave inappropriately and refuse to move on
Baby better shut her fucking mouth!
Stop talking about me and move on with your life
I'll take a homeless night in the snow.
I would rather endure the harshest conditions than have to deal with you again
I'd rather lose it all than deal with your shit.
I would rather give up everything than have to endure the toxicity of our past relationship
Don't care for me now, baby.
Even if you try to come back, I am not interested anymore
Hate to be loved
I am repulsed by the idea of receiving love from you
(Hate to be loved)
I cannot emphasize enough how much I dislike being loved by you
Don't care for me babe,
I do not want your affection or attention
'Cause I don't care for you.
I do not have any feelings or interest in you anymore
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James G Warrior
THE GREATEST SONG I'VE EVER HEARD💕
cL3v3rM0niK3r
Oh my jeebus thank you! I saw these guys at warped in 04. they were fucking amazing and I've been searching for them since. you just made my night
lauren
I spent the last couple of days trying to think of this bands name. I saw them at warped in 04. Loved them in hs
RJB Photo
My FAVORITE is "I'm so vain" but comments were turned off on it so I'll drop my message here! MY FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!!! Hell yeah!!!!
Paul Savage
Baby! I ain't no show-piece! I never was! Tell your momma that because her daughter isn't a princess. She is just another coin in the jukebox.
Kayla Spence
So long ago. Listening to this is like a flashback. haha! shiiiiiiiiiiit
RJB Photo
Fucking BAD ass!!!!!!!!
sloshvictim
Do you have the full album? My ex bitch stole mine!