Told You So
The Hives Lyrics


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Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
Because I want to
Be ignored by the stiff and the bored because I'm gonna
Spit and retrieve 'cause I give and receive
Because I want to
Gonna get through your head
What the mystery man said because I'm gonna
Hate to say I told you so, alright
Come on
I do believe I told you so

Now it's all out and you knew
'Cause I wanted to
Turn my back on the rot
That's been planning the plot because I'm gonna
No need for me to wait because I wanna
No need two, three, too late because I'm gonna

Hate to say I told you so, alright
Come on
I do believe I told you so

Do what I please gonna spread the disease
Because I want to
Gonna call all the shots
For the no's and the not's because I wanna
Yeah

Ask me once I'll answer twice
'Cause all I know I'll tell because I wanna
Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud




Because I want to
Oh yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Hives' song "Told You So" are all about asserting one's independence and defiance against societal norms, particularly those imposed by the "stiff and the bored." The singer declares that they will do what they want and be ignored if necessary, all while enjoying the power dynamic of giving and receiving. The tone then shifts to a more triumphant one as the singer revels in their own predictions coming true, saying "I do believe I told you so" repeatedly.


The song seems to be about the rebellion against conformity and being able to stand up against societal pressures. The attitude of the song is rebellious, and the lyrics show a desire to take control of one's own life and destiny. The singer also seems to enjoy proving themselves right and putting those who doubted them in their place.


Overall, "Told You So" is a song about taking control and standing up for oneself against the expectations of others.


Line by Line Meaning

Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
I'll do whatever I please because I can without any consequences.


Because I want to
I'm driven by my own desires and motivations.


Be ignored by the stiff and the bored because I'm gonna
I don't care about the opinions of the dull-minded and the disinterested.


Spit and retrieve 'cause I give and receive
I'll say whatever I want, but also take whatever comes my way.


Because I want to
It's all based on my own impulses and intentions.


Gonna get through your head what the mystery man said because I'm gonna
I'll make sure you understand my point of view, even if it's obscure and mysterious.


Hate to say I told you so, alright
I really don't want to rub it in, but I warned you.


Come on
Let's not argue about it anymore.


I do believe I told you so
I'm very confident that I gave you a heads-up.


Now it's all out and you knew
You were aware of it, and now everyone else knows too.


'Cause I wanted to
It was my choice to reveal it all.


Turn my back on the rot that's been planning the plot because I'm gonna
I'll abandon the decaying scheme that's been designed by others.


No need for me to wait because I wanna
I have no reason to hesitate because I'm driven by my own choices.


No need two, three, too late because I'm gonna
I'm not worried about timing because I'll do it when I feel like it.


Do what I please gonna spread the disease
I'll do whatever I want, even if it causes harm and spreads chaos.


Because I want to
It's my own personal desire that's driving my actions.


Gonna call all the shots for the no's and the not's because I wanna
I'll make all the decisions, even for those who are excluded or unimportant.


Yeah
I'm very enthusiastic and committed to my own goals.


Ask me once I'll answer twice 'cause what I know I'll tell because I wanna
I'll answer your question, but I'll go above and beyond because I want to share my knowledge.


Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
I'll make a big impression, using fancy equipment and ostentatious behavior to grab attention.


Because I want to
I'm doing it all because it pleases me.


Oh yeah
I'm really excited and energized about my own choices.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Randy Fitzsimmons

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@kevgjkd1970

Huh? OK 👍 😮I'll never tell someone else what they hear... but..?

Haunted? 👻

I'm not trolling... but ya I'm sounding it bcuz I'm thinking 🤔"Haunted..? Haunting..?
Hmm..?
The Doors "This is the end"...
Haunting.
Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon 🌙 🌚 "?
Again, Haunted.
..or has such a "hauntingly" composed lyrics & chorus tandem.
BUUT...

"HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO"
... BY THE HIVES ?
PUNK ROCK 🧷 🪨 🎸 🎶 MEETS REAL ROCK & ROLL ...!
BUT HAD QUICK, HARDCORE S&M SEX ...
WITH "POP MUSIC 🎶 "

"ALRIGHT !
C'MON !
HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SOOOOOOOOOO
... NOW IT'S ALL OVER YOU KNOW!" 🎶 🎵

KA-BOOM 💥💥!

KevG ❤😂🎉😊



@oasisrocks7896

Lyrics.

Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
Because I wanna
Be ignored by the stiff and the bored
Because I'm gonna
Spit and retrieve cause I give and receive
Because I wanna
Gonna get through your head what the mystery man said
Because I'm gonna

[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Verse 2]
Now it's all out and you knew
Cause I wanted to
Turn my back on the rot that's been planning the plot
Because I'm gonna
No need for me to wait
Because I wanna
No need two, three too late
Because I'm gonna

[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]
Do what I please, gonna spread the disease
Because I wanna
Gonna call all the shots for the "No"s and the "Not"s
Because I wanna
Yeah!

[Outro]
Ask me once I'll answer twice cause what I know I'll tell
Because I wanna!
Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
Because I wanna!
Oh yeah



@VEHICLEFAN5500

Instrumental Intro]

[verse 1]
Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't
Because I wanna
Be ignored by the stiff and the bored
Because I'm gonna
Spit and retrieve cause I give and receive
Because I wanna
Gonna get through your head what the mystery man said
Because I'm gonna

[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Verse 2]
Now it's all out and you knew
Cause I wanted to
Turn my back on the rot that's been planning the plot
Because I'm gonna
No need for me to wait
Because I wanna
No need two, three too late
Because I'm gonna


[Chorus]
Hate to say I told you so
Alright, come on
Do believe I told you so...

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 3]
Do what I please, gonna spread the disease
Because I wanna
Gonna call all the shots for the "No"s and the "Not"s
Because I wanna
YEAH!

[Outro]
Ask me once I'll answer twice cause what I know I'll tell
Because I wanna!
Sound device and lots of ice I'll spell my name out loud
Because I wanna!
Oh yeah!



All comments from YouTube:

@thehivestv

The Hives will album on August 11th! ‘Countdown to Shutdown’ features on our soon to be award winning new album ‘The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons’. Pre-order it here here for eternal financial good luck:

https://found.ee/TheHivesPreOrder 📈

@RUDI-UK

Revisiting your first hit. Had to "Search and Destroy" it... (!)

@robmarley2565

Asshat

@HoopyAmero

Woot! On my birthday! I can't wait to play thru an entire album in one sitting that day, something I haven't done in a very very long time. Sorry to hear the loss of your fearless and enigmatic leader. F to Randy Fitzsimmons 😞

@JJONNYREPP

The Hives - Hate to Say I Told You So 1637pm 15.7.23 nice to know the men of the north.... nay, the peoples of the north... still enjoy their music for music's sake ie: they can still indulge ugly musicianship... ahahaha... none of that fancy fay simpering nancy boy music, here. i like this song. it's cool. this abba's domain.. power pop.

@landonalt

I've been listening to you guys since High school over 20 years ago! You guys are still Fckin Awesome! Thanks!!!!

8 More Replies...

@allenczelusniak8577

Honestly, this is one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.

@KittchenSink

I've been a metalhead for 56 years now and even I have to say.... this song is nothing short of superb

@redskies4530

Hi I recommend an Indie song here on youtube called Covid19 Jam By Robert Nix

@godjira63

Ich mochte Punk schon in den

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