The Teen Idles were among the first punk rock groups from the early 1980s hardcore movement to break out of their regional scene to tour and sell nationally. Inspired by other American punk bands like The Cramps, Bad Brains and Black Flag, The Teen Idles' music was an early version of hardcore punk, and an attempt, in the words of MacKaye, "to get away from a really corrupted music". Their appearances, lyrics and musical style sought to revive a punk movement that they believed had lost its original zeal.
Getting In My Way
The Teen Idles Lyrics
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I've lost my way, I've lost my mark
Chased by something in another way
Hoping to see the light or another day
Getting, getting, getting
In my way
Broad horizons, but my skies are gray
Getting, getting, getting
Don't know what it is, but it ain't gonna stay
Blind punches, invisible blows
My patience shortens, my temper grows
I'm taking over, I'm not myself
I'm tired of the cards I'm being dealt
Pissed-off as I should
I can't do all that I know I could
The things I see have different shapes
I can't remember what it takes
The Teen Idles' song "Getting in My Way" is a powerful commentary on feeling stuck and defeated. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and anger, mixed with sadness and confusion. The opening lines "My vision's clouded, the sun is dark, I've lost my way, I've lost my mark" set the tone for the song, as the singer describes feeling lost and overwhelmed by something they can't quite define. They are being "chased by something" and they don't know what it is, but it's getting in their way and making it hard for them to see clearly.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly agitated and aggressive, lashing out at whatever is obstructing their path. They describe "blind punches" and "invisible blows" and say that their "patience shortens" and their "temper grows." These lines create an image of someone who is fighting a losing battle, struggling against something they can't see or understand. The repetition of the phrase "getting in my way" reinforces the sense of helplessness and frustration, as if the singer can't escape the obstacles that are blocking their progress.
Overall, "Getting in My Way" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that captures the frustration and pain of feeling trapped and powerless. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and the song's energy builds to a climax that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
My vision's clouded, the sun is dark
I feel lost and uncertain about my future; everything seems bleak and hopeless.
I've lost my way, I've lost my mark
I feel directionless and unsure of what path to take in life.
Chased by something in another way
I'm being chased by my own thoughts and insecurities, and they're holding me back from achieving my goals.
Hoping to see the light or another day
I'm hoping that tomorrow will bring a new beginning and that I'll be able to overcome my current struggles.
Getting, getting, getting
My obstacles keep piling up, and I can't seem to get past them.
In my way
These obstacles are preventing me from achieving my goals and moving forward in life.
Broad horizons, but my skies are gray
I have many opportunities and possibilities in front of me, but I can't see them because of my negative mindset.
Don't know what it is, but it ain't gonna stay
There's something in my life that's holding me back and causing me pain, but I'm determined to overcome it and move on.
Blind punches, invisible blows
I feel like I'm being attacked by something that I can't see, and it's hurting me both physically and emotionally.
My patience shortens, my temper grows
As my struggles continue, I'm becoming more and more frustrated and angry at the world.
I'm taking over, I'm not myself
My struggles are beginning to consume me, and I'm losing touch with who I really am.
I'm tired of the cards I'm being dealt
I feel like life is unfair, and I'm unhappy with the circumstances I've been given.
Pissed-off as I should
I'm angry and frustrated, and I have every right to be.
I can't do all that I know I could
My struggles are preventing me from reaching my full potential, and it's frustrating.
The things I see have different shapes
My perspective on life is changing, and I'm seeing things in a new and different way.
I can't remember what it takes
I've lost sight of what it takes to be happy and successful, and I'm struggling to find my way back to that path.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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