Pack Fair and Square
The J. Geils Band Lyrics


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Well, no more slipping and dodging around with you
No more slipping and dodging around with you
If you want to be my baby, you know what you have to do

Life is like a card game, always take a chance
Life is like a card game, always take a chance
Well, there's no money, honey it ain't no romance
You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air
You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air
Well, when you're around me, baby gotta treat me fair

Well, look-a here woman, and tell me what you going to do
Now, look-a here woman, and tell me what you going to do
I'm a-getting sick and tired of worrying over you

You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air
You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air
Well, when you're around me, baby gotta treat me fair

No one to love me, no one to call my own
Well, no one to love me, no one to call my own
From now on darling, it seems I'm gonna leave you alone

You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air




You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air
Well, when you're around me, baby gotta treat me fair

Overall Meaning

The J. Geils Band's song, "Pack Fair and Square," discusses the challenges associated with a failed relationship. The lyrics suggest that if the woman wants to be with him, she must stop playing games and "pack fair and square." The man is tired of constantly worrying about her, and he wants her to treat him well if she wants to be with him. The song compares life to a game of cards, suggesting that we always have to take risks and chances to achieve what we want. However, there is no point in playing if we are not treated fairly.


The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has experienced a failing relationship or has felt unappreciated by their partner. The song's catchy beat and blues-style guitar solos make it easy to enjoy and interpret the message. It suggests that the way to mend a broken relationship is to treat our partner well and fairly.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, no more slipping and dodging around with you
I'm tired of playing games and being deceived by you.


Life is like a card game, always take a chance
Life is unpredictable, but it's important to take risks and not always play it safe.


Well, there's no money, honey it ain't no romance
Love isn't about money or material things, it's about treating each other with fairness and respect.


You gotta pack fair and square, baby don't try to give me the air
If you want to be with me, you need to be honest and treat me right.


Well, when you're around me, baby gotta treat me fair
I deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, especially by someone I care about.


Now, look-a here woman, and tell me what you going to do
It's time to have a serious conversation about where our relationship is heading.


I'm a-getting sick and tired of worrying over you
I'm exhausted from constantly wondering if you're being truthful with me or not.


No one to love me, no one to call my own
I feel lonely and unloved because of your actions.


From now on darling, it seems I'm gonna leave you alone
I've had enough and it's time for me to move on without you.




Contributed by Alexander T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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