When You're in Prison
The Offspring Lyrics


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When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Keep your back against the wall
When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Do not bend at all

Oh don't pick up the soap, pick up the soap
It's bad for you
Oh don't pick up the soap, pick up the soap
Someone will be waiting there for you

When you're in prison be sure to stay awake
Always lie upon your back

When you're in prison be sure to stay awake
Keep you from attack

Oh don't be no one's bitch, be no one's bitch
It's bad for you

Oh don't be no one's bitch, be no one's bitch
They won't help you make it through.

When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Follow what I say to do.

When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
You can make it through




You can make it through
You can make it through

Overall Meaning

The Offspring's song "When You're in Prison" gives advice to those behind bars on how they can survive their time in jail. The first verse advises prisoners to keep their back against the wall and not to bend at all, suggesting that inmates need to be vigilant and assertive to avoid being taken advantage of. The second verse warns against the dangers of picking up the soap, advising prisoners not to do so as someone could be waiting to attack them if they do. The chorus reiterates these points, urging prisoners not to be anyone's bitch and to stay alert to avoid attack. The final verse encourages prisoners to follow the singer's advice and offers a message of hope that they can make it through their time in prison.


These lyrics were inspired by lead singer Dexter Holland's experiences working as a researcher in a molecular biology lab at the University of Southern California. While working there, he met someone who had spent some time in prison and shared some of his experiences with him. Holland later wrote the song as a way to dispel some of the myths surrounding prison and to offer practical advice to those who might find themselves locked up.


Line by Line Meaning

When you're in prison, don't turn the other way
Don't ignore the dangers around you


Keep your back against the wall
Stay alert to what's going on around you


Do not bend at all
Don't submit to the pressures of others


Oh don't pick up the soap, pick up the soap
Avoid situations that could put you in danger


It's bad for you
It could lead to harm or exploitation


Someone will be waiting there for you
Others may take advantage of your vulnerability


When you're in prison be sure to stay awake
Stay aware of your surroundings


Always lie upon your back
Have a posture that keeps you aware


Keep you from attack
Be prepared for any possible danger


Oh don't be no one's bitch, be no one's bitch
Don't become someone's victim or subordinate


They won't help you make it through
They won't have your best interests in mind


Follow what I say to do
These are tips to increase your chances of survival


You can make it through
You can survive prison if you're careful and aware




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bryan Keith Holland

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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