Take It Or Leave It
The Strokes㠀 Lyrics

The Strokes’ “Take It Or Leave It” is an anthem for self-empowerment and self-respect. Lead singer Julian Casablancas declares his independence in the first verse, asserting that he is in control and that he won’t tolerate dishonesty from others. He warns that boys pretend to be tough and girls pretend too much, and that it’s time to put an end to the charade. In the second verse, Julian sings about the thoughts of other men and other girls in relationships and how they can disrupt the balance. He encourages the listener to take control of their lives and not let others take advantage of them. The chorus is a repeated phrase “Take it or leave it,” a command coupled with a warning: if you don’t accept me as I am, you’re going to regret it. The bridge is a warning to a mysterious person, who is going to let someone down, break their back, and steal their friends, but who will eventually win.

The song was the final track on The Strokes’ 2001 debut album, “Is This It," and it became a cult classic in the early 2000s, representing the raw energy and attitude of New York City’s garage rock scene. The song’s catchy guitar riff and Julian’s expressive vocals have made it an unforgettable tune.