Like a Beach Rock revival, Shannon and the Clams take you back to a time when Judy and Johnny were your favorite worst couple, with the help of some very heartbreaking background vocals and guitar riffs of which The Beatles would be proud. Influences like The Beach Boys, The Shangri- La's, The Ronettes, and Patsy Cline shine through in songs like "When You're On", with front woman Shannon crooning like a scorned Leslie Gore, but with a rough unpolished edge inspired by the likes of The Cramps, Bad Brains, and fellow beach bum Nobunny.
Heads or Tails
Shannon and the Clams Lyrics
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Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
Im a real life hobo I prefer my life on the rails
(do what I want)
I keep a coin in my pocket and my only friend is head or tails
(do what I want)
I had a wife and a family I let them fend on their own
(do what I want)
You only count on yourself and appreciate what theyve been shown
(do what I want)
Sometimes I flip the coin
Oh yeah I flip the coin
Oh I flip the coin
Yeah I flip the coin
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
I hop the union pacific headin' to Californ-i-a
(do what I want)
I rub the coin in my pocket and I wonder just what they say
(do what I want)
I was there with open arms (indecipherable) back in my lap
(do what I want)
She said dont leave I said yeah (indecipherable)
(do what i want)
But then I flipped the coin
Oh yeah I flipped the coin
Oh yeah I flipped the coin
Oh I flipped the coin, oh
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
Do what I want
(unfinished)
The song "Heads or Tails" by Shannon and the Clams is a rebellious anthem about living life on one's own terms. The chorus of "Do what I want" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing a desire for individual freedom and autonomy. The verses describe a transient lifestyle, with the singer identifying as a "real life hobo" who prefers living on the rails. The only companion the singer has is a coin, which they use to make decisions and determine their fate. The singer acknowledges that they've left behind a family to pursue their own desires but believes in self-reliance and personal responsibility. The second half of the song alludes to a romantic relationship where the singer has a choice to stay or leave, but they ultimately let fate decide by flipping the coin. The lyrics capture a sense of defiance and a belief in one's ability to make their own way in the world, for better or for worse.
Line by Line Meaning
Do what I want
The singer does what they want to do, regardless of how others may feel or be affected.
Im a real life hobo I prefer my life on the rails
The singer identifies as a hobo and prefers a nomadic lifestyle via train transportation.
I keep a coin in my pocket and my only friend is head or tails
The singer relies on a coin toss to make decisions and feels as though it is their only companion.
I had a wife and a family I let them fend on their own
The artist had a family, but chose to not be there for them and allowed them to rely on themselves.
You only count on yourself and appreciate what theyve been shown
The artist believes you can only rely on yourself and must appreciate what life has given you.
Sometimes I flip the coin
The singer only uses the coin toss decision-making process at times.
I hop the union pacific headin' to Californ-i-a
The singer is traveling via Union Pacific train to California.
I rub the coin in my pocket and I wonder just what they say
The artist rubs the coin in their pocket and ponders what the outcome of the coin toss decision will be.
I was there with open arms (indecipherable) back in my lap
The artist was embraced by someone, but something unclear caused them to leave.
She said dont leave I said yeah (indecipherable)
The artist was asked not to leave, and responded noncommittally.
But then I flipped the coin
The singer ultimately made their decision based on the coin toss.
Contributed by Adalyn Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.