I Refuse
The Cars Lyrics


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And everything's heaven sent
That's what you said and went
Inside your fairy glass
Somethin' you think will last
And when they crop you like a clown
You got your smile on upside down

But baby I refuse
(I do refuse)
Uh, you can pick or choose
(I do refuse)
Find 'omebody else to use
(I do refuse)
'Cause I refuse to come along

And everything's on a whim
That's what you said to him
And lyin' in wunderlust
Are feelings you never trust
And when they pamper you with ice
I can't believe you don't think twice

But baby I refuse
(I do refuse)
Uh, you can pick or choose
(I do refuse)
Find somebody else to use
(I do refuse)
'Cause I refuse to come along

And everyone makes the play
With nothing left much to say
They're all in an endless line
Waiting for equal time
And they keep screaming it's the truth
And you keep kneelin' in the booth

Oh baby I refuse
(I do refuse)
Oh, you can pick or choose
(I do refuse)
Find somebody else to use
(I do refuse)
'Cause I refuse to come along

Oh, I do refuse
(I do refuse)
Oh, you got nothin' to lose
(I do refuse)
Find somebody else to use
(Find somebody else to use)
(I do refuse)
'Cause I refuse to come along

I refuse
(I do refuse)
Ah, oo-oo
(I do refuse)
(Find somebody else to use)
(I do refuse)
'Cause I refuse to come along

I refuse
(I do refuse)
Oo, oh got nothin' to lose
(I do refuse)




(Find somebody else to use)
(I do refuse)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Cars' song, "I Refuse", present a bitter rejection of superficiality, deception, and insincerity. The song reaches an early height of irony, as the chorus that repeats throughout the song shows the singer refusing to go along with a world full of manipulators and game players. He challenges his lover's words, accuses her of lying, of following whims without true feelings, and objectifying other people. The verses give examples of the singer's incredulity with what's going on around him, from crop circles to diamond rings, from pretenses of truth to religious hypocrisies. The singer asserts his own refusal to play the game, to go along with the crowd, and to pretend that everything's just fine.


The imagery of the fairy glass, the circus clown, the booth, and the endless line shows the unreality of a superficial life, made up of illusions and faux shine. The whole song has an undertone of disillusionment and critique, even as the upbeat pop-rock tune tries to keep it from sounding too grim. The lyrics of this song can relate to anyone who feels like the world is more complex than they want it to be.


Line by Line Meaning

And everything's heaven sent
You believe that everything in your life is perfect and predetermined


That's what you said and went
You confidently stated your belief and moved on


Inside your fairy glass
You have a warped sense of reality, like viewing the world through a distorted lens


Somethin' you think will last
You cling to things despite their impermanence


And when they crop you like a clown
When people mock or make fun of you


You got your smile on upside down
You try and hide your sorrow or pain by pretending to be happy


But baby I refuse
I am taking a stand against you


(I do refuse)
I am firm and unwavering in my decision


Uh, you can pick or choose
You have to decide what you want to do, but I am not going to be a part of it


Find 'omebody else to use
You should go find someone else to take advantage of


And everything's on a whim
You live your life making impulsive decisions


That's what you said to him
You have encouraged someone else to live impulsively


And lyin' in wunderlust
You are delusional and dissatisfied with reality


Are feelings you never trust
You don't believe your own emotions


And when they pamper you with ice
When people shower you with gifts or flattery


I can't believe you don't think twice
You don't seem to question their motives or sincerity


And everyone makes the play
Everyone is trying to get ahead or manipulate the situation


With nothing left much to say
There is no honesty or substance behind their words


They're all in an endless line
People are constantly chasing after success, wealth and power


Waiting for equal time
Everyone wants their turn to shine, but rarely consider others


And they keep screaming it's the truth
People insist that their perspective is the absolute truth


And you keep kneelin' in the booth
You refuse to think critically or question what you are being told


Oh baby I refuse
I am standing up to you again


(I do refuse)
I am unwavering in my commitment


Oh, you can pick or choose
You have the freedom to do what you want, but I won't be a part of it


Find somebody else to use
You should go find someone else to take advantage of


(Find somebody else to use)
I will not be your pawn


I refuse to come along
I am not going to participate in your games


Oo, oh got nothin' to lose
You don't care about the consequences of your actions




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ric Ocasek

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Rico


on Since Youre Gone

Hi, anyone know the name of the model, the girlfriend that appears in the beginning of the video?

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