Wannabe
Staind Lyrics


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I'm selling records
What is it that you do?
Sitting in your mama's basement with a shiatsu
Peanut butter on your dick
Right hand going click
With your left hand giving you a rim job
So now you wanna talk about me
Who's name is on the marque
You hate everything that you can't be
I've heard enough!

You're just a sell-out, turn-coat rockstar!
Pussy, poser rockstar!

Because you're nothing but a wannabe
You're so easy when you're faceless
Why don't you focus on your misery?
Instead of focusing on me

So number two, that's right
What is it you're rolling?
Now that your mama's Ford Focus got stolen
Well, it don't matter because you got nowhere to go
So back to hating, frantic masturbating
So now you wanna talk about me
You know the songs that you download for free
You hate everything that you can't be
I've heard enough!
You're just a sell-out, turn-coat rockstar!
Pussy, poser rockstar!

Because you're nothing but a wannabe
You're so easy when you're faceless
Why don't you focus on your misery?
Instead of focusing on me

So number two that's right
What is it you're rolling?
Now that your mama's Ford Focus got stolen
But, it don't matter because you got nowhere to go
So back to hating, frantic masturbating
So now you wanna talk about me
So now you wanna talk about me

Because you're nothing but a wannabe
It's so easy when you're faceless
Why don't you focus on your misery?
Instead of focusing on me

Nothing but a wannabe
It's so easy when you're faceless
Why don't you focus on your misery?
Instead of focusing on me

I'm selling records
What is it that you do?
Sitting in your mama's basement
I'm selling records




What is it that you do?
Selling records

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Staind's "Wannabe" is a retaliation to a judgmental critic, who seems to be harboring a lot of envy and anger towards the singer. The song speaks about the singer's success in selling records while simultaneously poking fun at the critic's apparent lack of success. The line "What is it that you do? Sitting in your mama's basement with a shiatsu" highlights the critic's lack of a tangible career. The next line, "Peanut butter on your dick, Right hand going click, With your left hand giving you a rim job" is a dig at how the critic spends their free time. The song's protagonist accuses the critic of hating everything that they can't be and suggests that the critic should focus on their own shortcomings.


The chorus is a series of insults, with the singer calling out the critic's lack of talent and authenticity; "You're just a sell-out, turn-coat rockstar! Pussy, poser rockstar!" The song continues to belittle the critic by calling them a "wannabe" and encouraging them to focus on their own misery instead of attacking others.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm selling records
I have achieved success in the music industry, selling a large number of records.


What is it that you do?
What is your profession or accomplishment that can compare to my success?


Sitting in your mama's basement with a shiatsu
You are wasting your time in your mother's home, doing nothing and not contributing to society. The reference to shiatsu implies that you are being idle and using a Japanese massage mat instead of doing something productive.


Peanut butter on your dick
You are engaging in sexual acts with yourself and have resorted to using peanut butter as a lubricant, indicating a lack of resources and desperation


Right hand going click
You are masturbating so frequently that your hand is numb and clicking


With your left hand giving you a rim job
You are performing a sexual act upon yourself that is both vulgar and degrading


So now you wanna talk about me
Despite your lack of success and accomplishments, you are focused on criticizing me and my achievements.


Who's name is on the marque
The name on the marque refers to the person or artist who is credited with the performance or achievement. This line implies that my name is prominently displayed and recognized for my accomplishments.


You hate everything that you can't be
Your criticism stems from your envy and inability to achieve my level of success and recognition.


I've heard enough!
I am not interested in hearing any more of your negativity and unwarranted criticism.


Because you're nothing but a wannabe
You are aspiring to be like me, but you lack the talent and drive to achieve your goals. Hence, you are nothing but a wannabe.


You're so easy when you're faceless
You are quick to criticize and judge when you can remain anonymous and hide behind the veil of the internet. However, you lack the courage to confront me face-to-face.


Why don't you focus on your misery?
Instead of criticizing and focusing on me, you should address your issues and strive to improve your situation.


So number two, that's right
Referring to the person as 'number two' denotes their inferiority and lack of importance.


What is it you're rolling?
What do you possess that makes you worthy of recognition or respect?


Now that your mama's Ford Focus got stolen
Your ultimate possession, your mother's car, has been stolen, making you even more insignificant and unlucky.


But, it don't matter because you got nowhere to go
Even though you have lost your only means of transportation, it does not matter since you have no purpose or destination.


So back to hating, frantic masturbating
You resort to compulsive negative behavior, such as hating and masturbating, when confronted with your failures and limitations.


You know the songs that you download for free
You are not willing to pay for my music and instead, download my songs for free, indicating a lack of appreciation and respect for my hard work and talent.


Nothing but a wannabe
You have nothing to offer and seek to emulate others merely out of envy and a desire for recognition.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN F. APRIL, CALVIN BROADUS, AARON LEWIS, MICHAEL J. JR. MUSHOK, JONATHAN WYSOCKI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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