Problems
The Sex Pistols Lyrics
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Oh why am I here
I need to be me
'Cause you're all too clear
And I can see
There's something wrong with you
But what do you expect me to do?
At least I gotta know what I wanna be
Are you lonely you got no one
You get your body in suspension
That's no problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
Eat your heart out on a plastic tray
You don't do what you want
Then you'll fade away
You won't find me working
Nine to five
It's too much fun being alive
I'm using my feet for my human machine
You won't find me living for the screen
Are you lonely all your needs catered
You got your brains dehydrated
Problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
What you gonna do
Problem
Problem
Problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
What you gonna do with your problem
The problem is you
Problem
I ain't equipment, I ain't automatic
You won't find me just staying static
Don't you give me any orders
For people like me
There is no order
Bet you thought you had it all worked out
Bet you thought you knew what I was about
Bet you thought you'd solved all your problems
But you are the problem
Problem, problem
Problem, the problem is you
What you gonna do with your problem
I'll leave it to you
Problem, the problem is you
You got a problem
What you gonna do
They know a doctor
Gonna take you away
They take you away
And throw away the key
They don't want you
And they don't want me
You got a problem
The problem is you
Problem, what you gonna do
Problem, I'll leave it back,
I have a problem, you got a problem
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem,
Problem, problem, problem
The Sex Pistols’ “Problems” is a gritty, high-energy punk rock track that critiques the oppressive nature of society and its effect on individuals. The lyrics are a raw and scathing attack on conformity and the pressure to conform to societal norms. The opening lines, “Too many problems, oh why am I here/I need to be me 'cause you're all too clear,” establish the idea that the singer is struggling with their identity and their place in society. They feel suffocated by societal expectations and are searching for something more.
The song then goes on to criticize those who are content with their mundane lives and who don’t question the status quo. The chorus, “Problem, problem, problem, the problem is you/What you gonna do with your problem?” is a direct challenge to those who are comfortable with their lives and don’t see the need for change. The bridge, “Bet you thought you had it all worked out/Bet you thought you knew what I was about/Bet you thought you'd solved all your problems/But you are the problem,” continues this theme, arguing that those who are complacent are actually part of the problem.
Ultimately, the message of “Problems” is clear: society is broken, and change is necessary. The song encourages listeners to question their lives and the world around them and to refuse to conform to societal norms. The energy and aggression of the music add to the intensity of the message, making “Problems” a classic punk rock anthem.
Line by Line Meaning
Too many problems
Life is full of problems and I'm overwhelmed
Oh why am I here
I'm questioning my existence and purpose
I need to be me
I need to be true to myself, not anyone else's expectations
'Cause you're all too clear
I can see right through you and your fake persona
And I can see
I'm observant and aware of my surroundings, people and situations
There's something wrong with you
You have flaws, issues, or problems that you refuse to acknowledge or fix
But what do you expect me to do?
I'm not responsible for fixing or solving your problems
At least I gotta know what I wanna be
I have a sense of direction and ambition for my future
Don't come to me if you need pity
I won't waste my time feeling sorry for you or your problems
Are you lonely you got no one
If you feel lonely, it's not my responsibility to keep you company
You get your body in suspension
You use drugs or alcohol to escape your problems
That's no problem, problem
This may not be an issue for you, but it's still a problem
Eat your heart out on a plastic tray
You're consuming false, artificial things instead of real, meaningful experiences
You don't do what you want
You're not living life on your own terms
Then you'll fade away
If you continue to conform to others' expectations, you'll lose your identity and fade into obscurity
You won't find me working
I'm not a conformist who will work a typical 9-5 job
Nine to five
Referring to a typical work schedule
It's too much fun being alive
I'm living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment
I'm using my feet for my human machine
I'm exploring the world and experiencing it through my senses
You won't find me living for the screen
I'm not obsessed with technology or the digital world
Are you lonely all your needs catered
If you're missing a human connection, it's not my problem to solve
You got your brains dehydrated
Your brain is not functioning properly due to substance abuse or lack of mental stimulation
I ain't equipment, I ain't automatic
I'm not a robot or machine that can be programmed or controlled
You won't find me just staying static
I'm constantly moving and evolving, not staying stagnant
Don't you give me any orders
I don't take orders or commands from anyone else
For people like me
I'm unique and don't fit into a typical mold or category
There is no order
I don't conform to society's norms or expectations
Bet you thought you had it all worked out
You probably assumed you knew everything about me and my life
Bet you thought you knew what I was about
You probably had some superficial assumptions or judgments about me
Bet you thought you'd solved all your problems
You may have thought you resolved all the issues in your life
But you are the problem
You created some of your own problems or you're the source of your own unhappiness
They know a doctor
Someone thinks you need professional help or treatment
Gonna take you away
You're going to be removed from a situation or environment
And throw away the key
You may be stuck somewhere or unable to escape a negative situation
They don't want you
Someone doesn't want you or may have rejected you
And they don't want me
Someone else doesn't want to associate with me or involve me
You got a problem
You have an issue, challenge or difficulty to overcome
The problem is you
You are the cause of the problem, it originates from you
What you gonna do with your problem
How are you going to handle and respond to your own problem?
I'll leave it to you
I won't take responsibility for your problem, it's yours to solve
You got a problem
You still have an issue or challenge to address
The problem is you
You are still the root cause of the problem
Problem
Repeated emphasis on the existence of an issue, difficulty, or challenge
Problem, problem
Repeating the same concept or idea, driving home the message
Problem, problem, problem
Continuing to stress the presence and importance of the problem
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GLEN MATLOCK, PAUL THOMAS COOK, STEVE (GB 1) JONES, JOHN LYDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind