The Limits We Set
The Beat Lyrics


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The only limits we set
what can we get away with?
in that at least we're the same
the only way we find of hiding the hurt we feel
is more unnecessary pain
each time you
draw in like a breath
it comes out like a knife
you feel like offering yourself out
tonight
on what a fight

the little you can expect to get
to get from anyone else
makes you look after number one
the only helping hand
you'll ever be offered
is the one at the end of your own arm

draw in like a breath
it goes tight like a wire
you're trying to shout
but your lungs are on fire

draw in like a breath
it comes out like a knife
you feel like offering yourself

shoplifting my little brother
shoplifting my little sister
said all you got to do is
just a forward through the door
but when they come fe check you out
you no come back for more
shoplifting my little brederen
shoplifting my little sister
tell me which one would you prefer
one hundred pound fine
or three months in prison
me old cock sparra?




shoplifting shoplifting
shoplifting, but a shoplifting

Overall Meaning

The Beat's song 'The Limits We Set' explores the idea of self-imposed limitations and the subsequent pain that stems from them. The lyrics hint at the idea of people inflicting unnecessary harm upon themselves as a means of hiding their inner pain. The line 'the only way we find of hiding the hurt we feel, is more unnecessary pain' speaks to the idea that people often choose to hurt themselves as a way of distracting from the deeper pain they're experiencing.


The song also touches on the concept of self-sufficiency and how the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. The line 'the only helping hand you'll ever be offered is the one at the end of your own arm' reinforces the idea that people need to be self-sufficient and look after their own needs because, ultimately, they can't rely on anyone else to do it for them.


Musically, the song features the distinctive ska sound that The Beat is known for. The fast-paced rhythmic guitar and bass create a lively and upbeat melody that almost contradicts the somberness of the lyrics.


Overall, 'The Limits We Set' is a commentary on the human condition and how we often create our own limitations and pain. It encourages listeners to look within themselves and question the limitations they have set for themselves.


Line by Line Meaning

The only limits we set
We are the sole creators of our own limitations


what can we get away with?
What are the boundaries we can cross without negative consequences?


in that at least we're the same
We share the common tendency to cover our pain with more pain


the only way we find of hiding the hurt we feel
The solution we resort to for masking our emotional pain


is more unnecessary pain
Is to inflict even more pain on ourselves


each time you
Whenever you


draw in like a breath
Take a deep breath


it comes out like a knife
Your words turn out to be sharp and hurtful


you feel like offering yourself out
You feel like fighting someone to release your frustration


tonight
This evening


on what a fight
What a brawl it will be


the little you can expect to get
The minimum you can anticipate receiving


to get from anyone else
From other individuals


makes you look after number one
Forces you to prioritize your own interests


the only helping hand
The singular support


you'll ever be offered
That you will ever receive


is the one at the end of your own arm
Is your own hand


it goes tight like a wire
You feel suffocated and stressed


you're trying to shout
You want to vocalize


but your lungs are on fire
But your respiratory system is in pain


shoplifting my little brother
My younger sibling who stole items from a store


shoplifting my little sister
My younger sister who shoplifted


said all you got to do is
He/she claimed that all it takes


just a forward through the door
Is to step through the entrance


but when they come fe check you out
But when they come to verify your behavior


you no come back for more
You won't try to steal from the same store again


tell me which one would you prefer
Inform me which one you would choose


one hundred pound fine
A penalty of one hundred pounds


or three months in prison
Or a three-month jail sentence


me old cock sparra?
A slang expression used to refer to a man


shoplifting shoplifting
Stealing merchandise from a store


shoplifting, but a shoplifting
Stealing, specifically from a store




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER CHARLERY, ANDREW COX, ANDY COX, EVERETT MORTON, DAVID STEELE, DAVID WAKELING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Nelson Milesi

Música maravilhosa. Iluminou minhas noites adolescentes dos anos 80.
Que banda extraordinária.

Anthony Wright

What a great song!

Marco Snelle

the first few seconds of the song still catch me!!! great song! cheers from vienna!

Jim Tackett

Thanks for posting. Great song!

Douglas Lowe

Damn This was a great slow lovemaking song. Well, still is.

Jon Helmstadter

Google thought I said " Lim sweet fat" LOL

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