Sticks and Stones
The Dog Days Lyrics


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What goes up, must come down
Wake me up when you hit the ground
Cause I'll be there to lend a hand
Somewhere I can understand
What's this whole world coming to?
Scramble of the chosen few
Take a seat and be my friend
Cup of tea we're on the mend
No matter how I try, I disappoint you every day
But it needs a friend
Build you up, they knock you down
It's just the way they built this town
Sorry if I'm less concerned
The only place where I am found
Doctor tell me if its true
Is this what I must do?
A bitter pill that never will
Release me from the blues
I'd like to live alone and reminisce
Lie alone in bliss
A constant meditation of the chances that I've missed
(Can you talk about it yet?)
I don't know what used to go in days that went before
That was ???
And now there's just no choice
All the family's sacrificed
And took pleasures that we knew
All gone
All gone
Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Names will never hurt me




Names will never hurt
Names will never hurt

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Dog Days's song Sticks And Stones speak to the realities of life and the ways in which we must navigate through the challenges and hardships that come our way. The opening lines of the song, "What goes up, must come down / Wake me up when you hit the ground / Cause I'll be there to lend a hand / Somewhere I can understand" convey a sense of empathy and support for those who may be struggling. The singer understands that life is not always easy, and sometimes we all need a helping hand to get back on our feet.


As the song continues, the lyrics touch on themes of disappointment, sacrifice, and the need for companionship. The line, "No matter how I try, I disappoint you every day" speaks to the pressure we often feel to live up to the expectations of others. However, the singer also acknowledges the importance of having a friend to lean on, saying "Build you up, they knock you down / It's just the way they built this town / Sorry if I'm less concerned / The only place where I am found."


The chorus, "Sticks and stones'll break my bones / Names will never hurt me" is a familiar childhood phrase meant to toughen us up against bullying and mean words. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is not immune to the pain of words and actions. The lines, "All gone / All gone" convey a sense of loss and sadness, while the repeated refrain of "Names will never hurt me" feels like a mantra - a way to steel oneself against further pain.


Overall, Sticks and Stones is a song about the human experience - the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is a reminder that we all need help sometimes, and that even when things are tough, we can find solace in friendship and companionship.


Line by Line Meaning

What goes up, must come down
Everything that rises will eventually fall


Wake me up when you hit the ground
Let me know when you need my help


Cause I'll be there to lend a hand
I will assist you in any way that I can


Somewhere I can understand
I need to empathize with your situation


What's this whole world coming to?
I don't understand where this world is headed


Scramble of the chosen few
Life seems to favor a select group of people


Take a seat and be my friend
Let's sit down and talk about our problems


Cup of tea we're on the mend
Drinking tea can help us heal and feel better


No matter how I try, I disappoint you every day
Despite my efforts, I still let you down constantly


But it needs a friend
Everyone needs a companion


Build you up, they knock you down
People will support you one day, and criticize you the next


It's just the way they built this town
The societal norms of this place breed negativity


Sorry if I'm less concerned
Forgive me if I seem indifferent


The only place where I am found
I feel comfortable being alone


Doctor tell me if its true
Please confirm if my suspicions are correct


Is this what I must do?
Do I have no other choice?


A bitter pill that never will
A harsh reality that cannot be changed


Release me from the blues
Free me from this feeling of sadness


I'd like to live alone and reminisce
I wish to be alone with my memories


Lie alone in bliss
Find peace in solitude


A constant meditation of the chances that I've missed
I often think about the opportunities I've lost


(Can you talk about it yet?)
(Are you ready to discuss your feelings now?)


I don't know what used to go in days that went before
I'm unsure about what happened in the past


That was ???


And now there's just no choice
I've run out of options


All the family's sacrificed
My loved ones have made sacrifices for me


And took pleasures that we knew
We used to enjoy many things together


All gone
We've lost everything


All gone
We've lost everything


Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Physical pain can be endured


Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Physical pain can be endured


Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Physical pain can be endured


Sticks and stones'll break my bones
Physical pain can be endured


Names will never hurt me
I won't let hurtful words affect me


Names will never hurt
I won't let hurtful words affect me


Names will never hurt
I won't let hurtful words affect me




Contributed by Reagan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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