Do Or Die
The Human League(ÈËÀàÁªÃ˺ϳªÍÅ) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The independent claims that just meant "Hold me tight"
The bruises on your body that you swore were from a fight
I'll pass at your insistence
Alsatians fall unconscious at the shadow of your call
One glance from your direction and the government will fall
Whole continents of misery don't bother you at all
But for me you have persistence
[Chorus]
Run all day, run all night
Do or die, do or die
Got to run for your life
Do or die, do or die
I'd like to leave so would you kindly look the other way
You tell me to be honest but I've nothing left to say
Just like your feet my goddess, my brain has turned to clay
An end to all resistance
[Chorus x 3]
Run all day, run all night
Do or die, do or die
Got to run for your life
Do or die, do or die
The Human League's song "Do or Die" is an evocative portrayal of a relationship defined by toxic love. The lyrics illustrate a sense of anxiety around the dominant and controlling behaviour of the partner in the relationship. The first verse of the song is dedicated to describing the partner's behaviour, with the "cocky little fires" and "independent claims" being met with the singer's passive response, "I'll pass at your insistence." Additionally, the reference to "bruises on your body" that were contested by the partner's account of being in a fight underscores the relationships manipulative tendencies. In the chorus, the instructions to "run all day, run all night" demonstrate an attempt to escape the relationship and its negative impact on the singer. However, ultimately, the singer recognizes that to survive this relationship, sometimes you have to fight – "do or die" – hence the title of the song.
The second verse portrays the singer's attempt to depart from this onerous relationship subtly. The line, "I'd like to leave so would you kindly look the other way," suggests that the singer doesn't want to face the partner in the process of leaving the relationship, which is a common occurrence in manipulative relationships. The singer's sense of subjugation may be seen in the line, "Just like your feet, my goddess, my brain has turned to clay." This line may be interpreted as a demonstration that this toxic relationship has made the singer feel worthless and submissive.
Line by Line Meaning
Those cocky little fires you started in the night
The reckless actions you took without considering the consequences
The independent claims that just meant "Hold me tight"
Your attempts at being self-sufficient are really just a cry for attention and affection
The bruises on your body that you swore were from a fight
Your lies and excuses are transparent and obvious
I'll pass at your insistence
I refuse to be manipulated by your demands and coercion
Alsatians fall unconscious at the shadow of your call
Your power and influence are so great that even animals are afraid of you
One glance from your direction and the government will fall
Your charisma and charm are so potent that even the most powerful structures can't resist you
Whole continents of misery don't bother you at all
You are so self-absorbed that you don't even acknowledge the suffering of others
But for me you have persistence
Even though I know the danger you pose, I can't help but be drawn to you
Run all day, run all night
The only way to escape your grasp is to keep moving and never stand still
Do or die, do or die
The stakes are high and there's no room for error
Got to run for your life
Survival depends on staying out of your reach
I'd like to leave so would you kindly look the other way
I want to escape from you, but I need your cooperation to do so
You tell me to be honest but I've nothing left to say
You've destroyed my trust and ability to communicate openly
Just like your feet my goddess, my brain has turned to clay
Your dominance has left me confused and unable to think for myself
An end to all resistance
I give up fighting against you and submit to your control
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CIAN CIARAN, DAFYDD IEUAN, GRUFF RHYS, GUTO PRYCE, HUW BUNFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind