Under Control
The Strokes (Bluegrass Style) Lyrics

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I don't wanna waste your time
I don't wanna waste your time
I just wanna say
I've got to say

We worked hard, darling
We don't have no control
We're under control

I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna give it to you, your way
I don't want to know

I don't wanna change your mind
I don't wanna change the world
I just wanna watch it go by
I just wanna watch you go by

We were young, darling
We don’t have no control
We’re out of control

I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna do it your way
I don't wanna give it to you, your way
I don't want to know

I don't wanna change your mind
I don't wanna waste your time
I just wanna know you're alright
I've got to know you're alright

You are young, darling

For now, but not for long
Under control

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Strokes’ song Under Control are a reflection on the fleeting and uncontrollable nature of life, and the desire to hold on to the present moment. The opening lines of the song, “I don't wanna waste your time, I just wanna say, I've got to say” suggest a sense of urgency and a need to express oneself. The next few lines, “We worked hard, darling, We don't have no control, We're under control” contrast the idea of hard work and effort with the lack of control over the outcome. This could be interpreted as a reference to the uncertainty of life, and the feeling of being at the mercy of fate or circumstance.

The lyrics, “I don't wanna change your mind, I don't wanna change the world, I just wanna watch it go by, I just wanna watch you go by” suggest a desire to simply observe and appreciate the world as it is, without trying to impose one’s own will on it. The idea of being “young, darling” but “out of control” further emphasizes the idea that life is a fleeting and chaotic experience that can’t be fully grasped or understood. In the final line, “For now, but not for long, Under control”, the lyrics convey a sense of acceptance of the transience of life, and the inevitability of change.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't wanna waste your time
I don't want to take up your valuable time with meaningless things.

I just wanna say
I simply want to express something to you.

We worked hard, darling
We put in a lot of effort, my dear.

We don't have no control
We have no control over our lives.

We're under control
We are being controlled by something bigger than us.

I don't wanna do it your way
I don't want to follow your way of doing things.

I don't wanna give it to you, your way
I don't want to give you something the way you want it.

I don't want to know
I am not interested in something.

I don't wanna change your mind
I have no intention of changing your opinion.

I don't wanna change the world
I simply want to observe the world.

I just wanna watch it go by
I simply want to watch things happen passively.