Taken For A Fool
The Strokes栀 Lyrics

Sister, visit us while you still can,
Asking a sibling to spend time together before it's too late

Sister, don't you forget my number, on the door.
Asking the sibling to remember their contact information in case they want to meet up again

You've got something and it's so good to see,
Complimenting the sibling on a positive trait they possess

Something wonderful that I could not be.
Acknowledging that the sibling is better at something than they are

Everybody hanging on for their lives,
Commenting on the struggles that people are facing

But you can't help them 'cause you don't have the time.
Feeling unable to provide support due to lack of time and energy

I know, everyone goes any damn place they like.
Acknowledging that people have different paths in life

I hope this goes over well, on the toxic radio.
Expressing a desire for the song to be well-received despite its controversial subject matter

You get taken all the time for a fool.
Pointing out how easily the sibling is deceived

I don't know why.
Expressing confusion about why the sibling is so gullible

You're so gullible but I don't mind.
Not being bothered by the sibling's gullibility

That's not the problem.
Stating that gullibility isn't the main issue

And I don't need anyone with me right now.
Preferring to be alone at the moment

Monday, Tuesday is my weekend.
Being off work on those days and considering them as free time

The ? are putting it on me
Feeling blamed for something

I can't let you 'cause I see what it means,
Refusing to go along with something because it's too risky

It's so early I don't want to wake up.
Not wanting to face the reality of the situation

I wish I left you 'cause we never grew up.
Regretting not ending the relationship sooner

Mama, it feels like just yesterday.
Reflecting on how quickly time has passed

Mama, don't you forget my number
Asking their mother to remember their contact information in case she needs to get in touch with them

I don't want to be the one at the door.
Not wanting to wait for someone to show up

A tourist, in the ghetto, not afraid of anything.
Feeling bold and fearless despite being in a dangerous place

Except death, and anything else, that could maybe hurt the most. Yeah.
Being afraid of anything that could cause physical or emotional pain

You get taken all the time for a fool.
Repeating the earlier observation about the sibling being easily deceived

I don't know why.
Again expressing confusion over why this keeps happening to the sibling