I Got The Need
The Moments Lyrics


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God, I need a drink
It's been a long, long day working for The Man
And I could scream
Make it a Pomona Queen
It's such a hard, hard life, I chase the bag
What happened to my dreams?
As I was saying to my shrink
There's so much, where do I begin?
She said: "you're ripe for strong medicine"
I said: "fine," washed it down with a drink

The house has been a mess, and same goes for my life
Since the handyman left me for my wife
Well, I have the dog, he goes yap, I bag his crap
Guess you could call it love, it's all I got, hear me God

God, I need a drink
It's been a down, down day, my wife is gone
I might have made a scene
Make it a Pomona Queen
I'm microwaving all my meals
And there's a pile of dishes in the sink
As I was saying to my priest
"When all is done will I be saved at least?"
He said "predestination is your best bet"
I said: "fine," and took what I could get

I used to get a wage and now I'm a contractor
And for some extra cash I drive and I deliver
Ain't got no boss, it's great, but no 401k, no healthcare
Self-medication is my mate, hear me God, life ain't fair

God, I need a drink
All boats rise, rise with the tide
And yet I can feel mine sink
Make it a Pomona Queen
It's such a sad, sad time
When it's sorrow America brings
God, I need a drink
As I was saying to my dog
If past is prolog, what's yet to come?
[It's such a mad, mad time
When it's to morons America clings]
Make it a Pomona Queen
He wagged his tail, said: "We're in luck
Here come a fire hydrant and a bone"




[I saw a pretty, pretty lady
She was fat and I could hear her sing]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Moments' song "I Got The Need" depict a person who is overwhelmed by the challenges and disappointments of life. The song opens with a plea for a drink, symbolizing a desire to escape from the hardships faced while working for "The Man" throughout a long, exhausting day. The reference to a "Pomona Queen" suggests a preference for a particular type of alcoholic beverage, perhaps to numb the pain and frustration.


The singer reflects on the loss of their dreams and the weight of their problems, seeking solace through therapy. The mention of a shrink highlights their attempt to address their emotional struggles, but they also acknowledge the need for stronger measures, symbolized by "strong medicine." This could refer to medication or any form of escape from the reality they're facing. The singer's decision to wash it down with a drink indicates a reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism.


The second paragraph further illustrates the turmoil in the singer's life. Their home is in disarray, mirroring the state of their personal life following the departure of the handyman, who had an affair with their spouse. The only companionship they have left is their dog, which, despite being a source of love and comfort, doesn't fully compensate for the deep sense of loss they experience.


The third verse reveals the singer's ongoing struggles. The request for another drink reflects their despair as their wife has left, leading them to experience a downward spiral emotionally. The mention of "microwaving all my meals" and a pile of dirty dishes highlights the loneliness and neglect in their life. Seeking guidance from a priest, they question whether any salvation awaits them in the midst of their difficult circumstances. The priest's response suggests a belief in predestination, leaving the singer to accept whatever fate awaits them.


The final paragraph delves into the singer's present situation. They have transitioned to a freelance job that offers some level of independence but lacks the stability and benefits they once had. The absence of a boss and corporate benefits is compensated with self-medication, indicating a reliance on substances to cope with their reality. The plea for a drink becomes more profound as they express the desire to rise above the challenges they face, but feel trapped in a bleak, sorrowful time.


Amidst their struggles, the singer engages in a conversation with their dog, finding comfort in their wagging tail and an unexpected encounter with a fire hydrant and a bone. These interactions provide brief moments of respite from the turmoil and hint at the simplicity and joy they long for in their life. The reference to a "fat" lady singing, although somewhat unclear, may evoke a sense of unexpected beauty and inspiration amid the chaos.


Overall, "I Got The Need" portrays a person who yearns for escape, grappling with unfulfilled dreams, personal loss, and the harsh realities of life. Their desire for a drink represents a longing for solace, albeit temporary, while seeking brief moments of respite and connection amidst the chaos that surrounds them.


Line by Line Meaning

God, I need a drink
I'm feeling overwhelmed and in need of some relief


It's been a long, long day working for The Man
I've been working hard all day for my boss


And I could scream
I'm feeling frustrated and on the verge of losing control


Make it a Pomona Queen
I want a strong alcoholic drink to help me forget my troubles


It's such a hard, hard life, I chase the bag
Life is tough and I'm constantly pursuing financial stability


What happened to my dreams?
I wonder what happened to the aspirations I used to have


As I was saying to my shrink
During my therapy session, I mentioned


There's so much, where do I begin?
There are so many issues to address, I don't know where to start


She said: "you're ripe for strong medicine"
My therapist suggested that I may benefit from powerful treatment


I said: "fine," washed it down with a drink
I agreed and immediately used alcohol to numb my emotions


The house has been a mess, and same goes for my life
Both my physical living space and my personal life are in disarray


Since the handyman left me for my wife
The handyman I hired ended up leaving me for my spouse


Well, I have the dog, he goes yap, I bag his crap
I only have my dog as a companion, and despite his annoying behavior, I still take care of him


Guess you could call it love, it's all I got, hear me God
I could consider my connection with my dog as love, as it's the only meaningful thing left in my life, and I beseech God to listen to me


It's been a down, down day, my wife is gone
I've had an extremely depressing day because my wife left me


I might have made a scene
I possibly caused a dramatic and disruptive confrontation


I'm microwaving all my meals
I'm relying on convenience and quickness, even for my food


And there's a pile of dishes in the sink
I have neglected cleaning up after myself, leaving a stack of dirty dishes


As I was saying to my priest
During my conversation with the priest


"When all is done will I be saved at least?"
I asked if, in the end, I'll find salvation or redemption


He said "predestination is your best bet"
The priest advised me to consider the concept of predestination being my most favorable outcome


I said: "fine," and took what I could get
I accepted his response and settled for whatever I could obtain


I used to get a wage and now I'm a contractor
I used to have a stable income, but now I work as a freelance contractor


And for some extra cash I drive and I deliver
To earn additional money, I work as a driver and deliver goods


Ain't got no boss, it's great, but no 401k, no healthcare
I don't have a boss, which has its advantages, but I also lack benefits like a retirement plan and healthcare


Self-medication is my mate, hear me God, life ain't fair
I rely on substances to cope with my struggles, and I plead to God, acknowledging that life is unjust


All boats rise, rise with the tide
Generally, everyone can experience success and improvement


And yet I can feel mine sink
Despite the opportunities for progress, I can sense my own downward trajectory


It's such a sad, sad time
The current period is filled with sorrow and despair


When it's sorrow America brings
The state of the nation is causing sadness and distress


As I was saying to my dog
While conversing with my dog


If past is prolog, what's yet to come?
If the past is an indication of the future, then what can I expect?


He wagged his tail, said: "We're in luck
My dog wagged his tail and conveyed a sense of good fortune


Here come a fire hydrant and a bone"
He pointed out that a fire hydrant and a bone, both things that bring him joy, are approaching


I saw a pretty, pretty lady
I noticed an attractive woman


She was fat and I could hear her sing
She had a voluptuous figure, and I could hear her melodious singing




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Pierre Englebert

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jem Booth

The original version and the BEST! :-)

Jon Ashby

wow I've never heard this, Chuck Jacksons version is one of my favourite Northern dancers. Love it

debbie oneill

this is my absolute fav version

Les Kennedy

These memories are killing me😢😢😢😢

roger metcalf

I remember this well from the brilliant Cleethorpes talk of the north allnighters in 76...I watched dj frank take it out of it's album sleeve and put it on the turntable...a full shuffling dancefloor was the result

ian henderson

i just love the moments ,Fantastic,,

soulfan2

Brill this Love it... Donna

David Duncan

Sublime!

lee vowles

i have chuck jacksons version,and spooky and sues version, this is on my to get list, blissful 70s.

red roof

bought album with this on a boylers in conisbrough

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