Get Busy Livin’ or Get Busy Dyin’
The Kings of Nuthin' Lyrics
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My luck never seems to last.
I often lose what I've got, which never seems to be a lot
I can't find a reason to get out of bed...
My luck runs out real fast, the good times never seem to last
I rule the throne of the broken-hearted fools.
I've been kicked when I'm down,
But Jill never comes tumbling down after me.
[Chorus:]
Lady Luck caught the last train out,
Banned from heaven, hells kicking me out
My only friend is a bottle of old Tennessee.
Some say "what's the point in trying?"
Get busy living or get busy dying
I'm still thankful for these friends I do receive.
Are you lost if nuthins gained
Playing someone else's game?
Pick up your head and stop your cryin'
Get busy living or get busy dying
My luck runs out real fast, the good times never seem to last
I rule the thrown of the broken-hearted fools.
I've been kicked when I'm down,
I've fallen down the hill and I've broken my crown
But Jill never comes tumbling down after me.
[Chorus]
Lady Luck caught the last train out,
Banned from heaven, hells kicking me out
My only friend is a bottle of old Tennessee.
Some say "what's the point in trying?"
Get busy living or get busy dying
I'm still thankful for these friends I do receive.
Are you lost if nuthins gained
Playing someone else's game?
Pick up your head and stop your cryin'
Get busy living or get busy dying
[Chorus]
Lady Luck caught the last train out,
Banned from heaven, hells kicking me out
My only friend is a bottle of old Tennessee.
Some say "what's the point in trying?"
Get busy living or get busy dying
I'm still thankful for these friends I do receive.
Are you lost if nuthins gained
Playing someone else's game?
Pick up your head and stop your cryin'
Get busy living or get busy dying
I've been down and out I often feel left out
My luck never seems to last
The Kings of Nuthin's song Get Busy Livin' or Get Busy Dyin' talks about the struggles of life that can make us feel down and out, and the choice we have to either give up or keep pushing forward. The lyrics reflect a sense of hopelessness and disappointment, with the singer feeling like he has lost everything and there is no reason to keep going. He's had bad luck, lost what he's had, and feels like he rules the throne of the broken-hearted fools. However, he still finds some solace in his friends and his bottle of Tennessee whiskey.
The chorus talks about Lady Luck leaving, with the singer feeling like he's been kicked out of both heaven and hell. He's lost everything and feels like there's no point in trying. However, he still has friends who support him and help him through the tough times. The song encourages listeners to pick themselves up, stop crying, and get busy living or get busy dying. It's a call to action, reminding us that it's up to us to make our own luck and create our own happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been down and out, I often feel left out
I frequently experience feelings of sadness and solitude
My luck never seems to last
My good fortune never persists
I often lose what I've got, which never seems to be a lot
I tend to lose what little I have
I can't find a reason to get out of bed...
I lack motivation to start my day
My luck runs out real fast, the good times never seem to last
My favorable circumstances quickly dwindle and do not endure
I rule the throne of the broken-hearted fools
I am the leader of those feeling dejected and foolish
I've been kicked when I'm down, I've fallen down the hill and I've broken my crown
I have experienced setbacks and failures
But Jill never comes tumbling down after me
No one seems to be there to help me when I fall
Lady Luck caught the last train out
Fortune has deserted me
Banned from heaven, hells kicking me out
I feel excluded from both good and bad experiences
My only friend is a bottle of old Tennessee
Alcohol has become my only source of comfort
Some say "what's the point in trying?"
People question the value of putting forth effort
Get busy living or get busy dying
One must either take action to improve or succumb to despair
I'm still thankful for these friends I do receive
Despite my challenges, I am grateful for my friendships
Are you lost if nuthins gained
Is it truly bad if nothing is gained?
Playing someone else's game?
Am I going along with someone else's plans?
Pick up your head and stop your cryin'
Take charge of your situation and stop feeling sorry for yourself
Writer(s): the kings of nuthin'
Contributed by Ryan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.