Running Bear
Stiff Little Fingers Lyrics
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Best keep your nose clean and play it by our rules
Mind your way and don't make waves
And you'll get used to knowing you're no use
You're good for nothing you only waste your time
Be a good neighbor and get back there in line
Throw no stones and break no bones
Good for nothing you're good for nothing
And so you're gonna get nothing for good
You're good for nothing no matter what you do
You'll never make it to get what you want to
Just give your best and then take less
There's always someone to get the better of you
Suffer in silence now or else go work for others not yourself
Don't make no noise don't make no fuss
'Cause then you're the others you're working for are us
How long? How long?
How long will you wait for?
How long will you wait for good?
The lyrics to Stiff Little Fingers' song Running Bear are a commentary on the power dynamics at play in society, specifically in the workplace. The song speaks directly to those who feel as though they are being held back or oppressed by those in positions of power. The first two verses instruct the listener to be obedient, to not cause any trouble, and essentially to be a good little worker bee. The chorus reiterates that no matter what the listener does, they will never be able to achieve what they want to, and will always be seen as good for nothing. The final verse is a call to action, questioning how long the listener will be content to suffer in silence and work for others, rather than themselves.
The lyrics are a poignant critique of the systemic oppression that exists in capitalist societies. The song argues that no matter how hard someone works, no matter how much effort they put in, they will always be trapped in a system that doesn't value them, and that actively works to keep them down. The repeated references to being "good for nothing" highlight the ways in which those in positions of power use language to demean and belittle those who they perceive as being beneath them.
Line by Line Meaning
You're good for nothing so watch your P's and Q's
You are worthless and thus, watch your actions.
Best keep your nose clean and play it by our rules
Be obedient and follow our instructions.
Mind your way and don't make waves
Don't create problems and be peaceful.
And you'll get used to knowing you're no use
You'll eventually accept that you're not worthwhile.
You're good for nothing you only waste your time
You are unproductive and consume time.
Be a good neighbor and get back there in line
Be a cooperative follower and remain in your place.
Throw no stones and break no bones
Don't cause harm or trouble.
And watch while we pass by on the other side
See as we succeed while being indifferent to your plight.
Good for nothing you're good for nothing
You are worthless and always have been.
And so you're gonna get nothing for good
You'll never receive anything beneficial.
You're good for nothing no matter what you do
Irrespective of your efforts, you're worthless.
You'll never make it to get what you want to
You'll never achieve your ambitions.
Just give your best and then take less
Try to do well, but still settle for less.
There's always someone to get the better of you
There's always someone who will outdo you.
Suffer in silence now or else go work for others, not yourself
Endure silently, or work for someone else because you're not capable of being your boss.
Don't make no noise don't make no fuss
Don't trouble anyone or make a fuss.
'Cause then you're the others you're working for are us
If you rebel against us, then you'll be working for some other damaging force.
How long? How long?
For how much time? For how much time?
How long will you wait for?
For what duration will you keep waiting?
How long will you wait for good?
For how long will you anticipate getting something beneficial?
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: J. P. RICHARDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind