Teenage Head is a Canadian rock group from Hamilton, Ontario and was one of… Read Full Bio ↴Teenage Head is a Canadian rock group from Hamilton, Ontario and was one of the most popular Canadian new wave/punk rock bands during the early 1980s. They were sometimes referred to as the "Canadian Ramones", despite the fact that their sound was closer to rockabilly than to some of the Ramones' 60s pop influences. Nevertheless, they shared with the Ramones a love of goofy lyrics and a ferocious live show. Although the band is still recording and touring as a unit, they have never succeeded in recapturing their early audience.

Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, the group consisted of Frankie Venom (real name Frank Kerr), Gord Lewis, Steve Mahon (though he later changed his last name to Marshall) and Nick Stipanitz, and took their name from an album and song by The Flamin' Groovies.

Teenage Head came together in the early 70's when four young guys from Westdale High School in Hamilton, Ontario decided to form a band. Gord Lewis, founder and leader, Frank Kerr, Steve Mahon, and Nick Stipanitz weren't buddies, but each had a strong interest in the same type of music. By May 1978, they released their first single "Picture My Face" on Epic Records, and quickly became part of the scene exploding in Toronto. The legendary self-titled debut album followed a year later, turning the heads of many because it perfectly captured the spirit of the era. What's more, it showcased the band's talent as writers, with the ability to craft songs that would continue to stand the test of time, even by today's standards.

Those Things You Do
Teenage Head Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let me take you back
Way back, honey
Oh!

Well, oh, you think that you′re the best
But I know you're only second chance
So stay you a-do-do-do-do-do-do well I can′t say
If I have a right, should I feel this way?

Will you hear me you won't
But I says that you're okay
But I know, I know you′ve got nothin′ to say
So stay you a-do-do-do-do-do-do I can't say
This is how I feel, oh, when I see this way
Yeah, c′mon fats
(Oh, smokin')

Well baby you won′t
Well they say that you're okay
But I know, I know you′ve got nothin' to say
So stay you a-do-do-do-do-do-do I can't say
But If this is right, should I feel this way?
Go!

Is it your body that moves away
All your buddies that′s gone astray
Is it your mind that′s gone away
This time I know I won't stay

Well, oh, I think you′re the best
But I know you're only second chance
So stay you a-do-do-do-do-do-do well I can′t say
Just how I feel when I sing this way
Go!

Scooby-do-wah!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Those Things You Do" by Teenage Head depict a relationship where the singer has doubts about their partner's loyalty and feelings towards them. The song starts with the singer going back in time and sets the nostalgic tone for the rest of the song. The first verse, "Well, oh, you think that you're the best, but I know you're only second chance," suggests that the singer's partner might be with them as a rebound or a second option. The singer feels unsure about their partner's true intentions and wonders whether they have a right to feel that way or not.

In the chorus, the singer expresses how their partner doesn't listen to their concerns and doesn't communicate with them. The phrase "So stay you a-do-do-do-do-do-do" emphasizes their partner's inability or unwillingness to engage in a conversation. The singer doubts whether they should feel this way if their partner is indeed right for them.

In the second verse, the singer questions whether it's their partner's friends or their own mind that's affecting their behavior towards them. The phrase "This time I know I won't stay" suggests that the singer has had enough of the uncertainty and is ready to leave the relationship.

Overall, the song portrays the emotional turmoil of a relationship where one partner is unsure of the other's true feelings and loyalty. The catchy tune of the song, along with the nostalgic lyrics, makes it a memorable piece in Teenage Head's discography.

Line by Line Meaning

Let me take you back
Come with me to a past moment of reference

Way back, honey
A distant time, my dear

Oh!
Exclamation

Well, oh, you think that you're the best
You perceive yourself as the top of the hierarchy

But I know you're only second chance
You are only a backup option for someone else

So stay you a-do-do-do-do-do-do well I can't say
Remain as you are and I can't decisively conclude

If I have a right, should I feel this way?
Wondering if my judgement is valid

Will you hear me you won't
You will ignore me

But I says that you're okay
I assure you are fine

But I know, I know you've got nothin′ to say
But deep down you have nothing to respond with

This is how I feel, oh, when I see this way
This is my sentiment when I witness this behavior