Waste Not Want Not
The Pretenders Lyrics


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TAKE, TAKE, TAKE, TAKIN' WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
YOU'LL GET, GET, GETTIN' WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
STAND BACK, TAKE A LOOK AND TAKE HEED
ALL THE CHILDREN IN GOD'S KINGDOM BLEED
SEE THE NETWORKS OF CONCRETE AND STEEL
THEY'VE NO MYSTERY BUT WHAT THEY REVEAL
TELLS A STORY OF A FUTURE THAT'S VOID
OF THE BEAUTY AND THE MAJESTY THAT LIFE ON
EARTH IS MEANT TO BE


TALK, TALK, TALK, TALK ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
AND NOT A WORD ABOUT POLITICAL FAVOUR
EVERYTHING TOUCHED IS MY POLITICAL CHOICE
THE LIFE YOU TAKE IS YOUR POLITICAL VOICE
THE SACRED COWS COME CRASHING TO THEIR KNEES
GOLDEN HARVEST REAPED WITHOUT INTELLIGENCE
THERE'S NO CHANCE BETWEEN THE HEAVENS AND THE SEAS
IN A BLOOD BATH DON'T LAUGH
GRAB YOUR PIECE OF GOLDEN CALF


WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP
WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP
WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP
WASTE NOT WANT NOT


DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WISH BE DONE TO YOU
THERE'S A MILLION LIES 'ROUND EVERYTHING TRUE
YOU SLAUGHTER WHEN YOU FEAST
YOU DISRESPECT THE BEAST
MAKE OUR BEDS AND LIE THERE, TAKE YOUR SHARE


WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP
WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP
WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP




PICK IT UP AND EAT IT
WASTE NOT WANT NOT

Overall Meaning

The Pretenders' "Waste Not Want Not" is a song about the human tendency to take and waste more than we need, often leading to the destruction of our environment and the extinction of entire species. The lyrics critique those who relentlessly pursue the accumulation of material goods, without any regard for the consequences of their actions. The song's refrain "Waste Not Want Not" is a reminder to take responsibility for our actions and to live our lives in a way that is mindful of the impact we have on the world around us.


The song also touches on the topic of politics and how our choices at the ballot box can have far-reaching consequences. Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer, urges listeners to be mindful of the politicians they elect and the policies they support. Through the lyrics "everything touched is my political choice, the life you take is your political voice," she encourages people to think deeply about the impact their choices have on the environment, society, and the world at large.


Line by Line Meaning

TAKE, TAKE, TAKE, TAKIN' WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
You are constantly taking things that you do not actually need.


YOU'LL GET, GET, GETTIN' WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
In the end, you will accumulate possessions that are not necessary or truly fulfilling.


STAND BACK, TAKE A LOOK AND TAKE HEED
It is important to step back and assess your actions and possessions, and take note of any excess or unnecessary items.


ALL THE CHILDREN IN GOD'S KINGDOM BLEED
The damage caused by wastefulness and greed can have serious effects on future generations.


SEE THE NETWORKS OF CONCRETE AND STEEL
The man-made structures around us may seem impressive, but they lack the natural beauty and majesty of the world itself.


THEY'VE NO MYSTERY BUT WHAT THEY REVEAL
While impressive, these structures hold little mystery or true value beyond their physical function.


TELLS A STORY OF A FUTURE THAT'S VOID
These man-made structures hint at a future where nature and beauty will be less prominent and revered.


OF THE BEAUTY AND THE MAJESTY THAT LIFE ON EARTH IS MEANT TO BE
Ultimately, living in harmony with nature and appreciating its beauty is what life on Earth is truly supposed to be about.


TALK, TALK, TALK, TALK ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
People often talk about the government and its actions, but overlook important issues related to their own individual actions and choices.


AND NOT A WORD ABOUT POLITICAL FAVOUR
Individual actions can be directly impacted by political agendas, yet people often neglect to consider this when discussing politics.


EVERYTHING TOUCHED IS MY POLITICAL CHOICE
Even everyday actions have political implications, and should be considered as such.


THE LIFE YOU TAKE IS YOUR POLITICAL VOICE
Every action has political implications, and this should be considered when making choices that could harm life or the environment.


THE SACRED COWS COME CRASHING TO THEIR KNEES
Even institutions or practices that are commonly accepted without question can be brought down if they have a negative impact on society or the environment.


GOLDEN HARVEST REAPED WITHOUT INTELLIGENCE
When resources are taken without consideration or with greed, the benefits are short-term and can lead to long-term damage.


THERE'S NO CHANCE BETWEEN THE HEAVENS AND THE SEAS
The impact of wasteful or greedy actions can be felt everywhere, from the sky to the ocean and everything in between.


IN A BLOOD BATH DON'T LAUGH
The consequences of our actions can be serious and harmful, and should not be taken lightly or with humor.


GRAB YOUR PIECE OF GOLDEN CALF
The pursuit of material possessions and wealth can lead to neglect of more important values and priorities.


WASTE NOT WANT NOT PICK IT UP
Using resources wisely now can prevent future need or shortage.


DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WISH BE DONE TO YOU
Treat others and the environment with respect and care, as you would like to be treated in return.


THERE'S A MILLION LIES 'ROUND EVERYTHING TRUE
Truth can be difficult to discern, as there are often many falsehoods and competing narratives around important issues.


YOU SLAUGHTER WHEN YOU FEAST
Some of our most enjoyable activities can also have a negative impact on other people or the environment.


YOU DISRESPECT THE BEAST
Animals and their welfare should be treated with respect and care, rather than used solely for human pleasure or gain.


MAKE OUR BEDS AND LIE THERE, TAKE YOUR SHARE
We must face and accept the consequences of our actions, and be willing to take responsibility for our use or abuse of resources and our impact on others and the environment.


PICK IT UP AND EAT IT
Using resources fully and not wasting them can benefit ourselves and the environment.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: CHRISTINE HYNDE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Tommy Wells


on Get Out of London

I don't think this song will do for a studio album.
It's because of the producer, George Acogny. He's the song producer of the movie.