Think for Yourself
The Beatles Lyrics

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I've got a word or two
To say about the things that you do
You're telling all those lies
About the good things that we can have
If we close our eyes

Do what you want to do
And go where you're going to

Think for yourself
'Cause I won't be there with you

I left you far behind
The ruins of the life that you had in mind
And though you still can't see
I know your mind's made up
You're gonna cause more misery

Do what you want to do
And go where you're going to
Think for yourself
'Cause I won't be there with you

Although your mind's opaque
Try thinking more if just for your own sake
The future still looks good
And you've got time to rectify
All the things that you should

Do what you want to do
And go where you're going to
Think for yourself
'Cause I won't be there with you

Do what you want to do
And go where you're going to
Think for yourself
'Cause I won't be there with you

Think for yourself
'Cause I won't be there with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Think for Yourself" by The Beatles are a call to individuality and independent thinking. The song is said to be directed to their former manager, Brian Epstein, or to anyone who blindly follows someone else's lead without thinking for themselves. The first verse sees the singer expressing their dismay at the lies and empty promises their partner is conveying. The singer urges their partner to think for themselves and not just perceive the surface level good things in life but take the time to understand the deeper meaning.

The second verse sees the singer leaving their partner behind with the shattered remains of the life they had in their mind. The partner is still unable to see that their mind is already made up and that they will cause more misery. The chorus repeats that the partner should think for themselves because the singer will not be there with them. The final verse encourages the partner to think beyond their opaque mind and rectify all the things that they should have. The future still holds promise and they have the chance to make the right choices for themselves.

Overall, the lyrics of "Think for Yourself" stress the importance of independent thinking, individuality, and self-awareness. It encourages the listener to not blindly follow others but to take responsibility for their own actions and make their own choices.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got a word or two
I have something to say to you.

To say about the things that you do
I want to talk about your behavior.

You're telling all those lies
You're being dishonest with yourself and others.

About the good things that we can have
You're over-promising and under-delivering.

If we close our eyes
If we ignore reality.

Do what you want to do
Make your own choices.

And go where you're going to
Follow your own path.

Think for yourself
Don't let others control your thoughts and actions.

'Cause I won't be there with you
You're on your own in this journey.

I left you far behind
I'm no longer part of your life.

The ruins of the life that you had in mind
Your plans have fallen apart.