What You Deserve
Theory of a Deadman Lyrics

In this song, Theory of a Deadman is calling out someone who has been trying to control and manipulate them. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been provoked in some way but has managed to hold their own against the person trying to bring them down. The chorus implies that the singer is biding their time, waiting for the other person to get what they deserve.

The first verse makes it clear that the person taunting the singer is attempting to bring them down but failing. By saying “you can never get the best of me” the singer reveals that they are resilient and unwilling to be dragged down. Furthermore, stating that they’ve never been to California or Tijuana shows that they are not distracted by the allure of these places, indicating that they are focused on their goals and their sense of self-worth.

The second verse continues this reflection on the other person’s behavior, with the singer indicating that the other party hasn’t lost their mind (‘marbles’) and that they don’t hold any grudges against them (‘never burned your letters’). However, the statement that they’ll like the other person better ‘when they get what they deserve’ indicates a simmering anger that they are holding in until the right moment. The bridge in the song takes a more reflective tone, with the singer suggesting that the other person should give them time to make sense of the situation, thereby letting the anger mature and making sure that the other person does indeed get what they deserve.

Overall, the song is a story of someone who has been wronged by another but who is biding their time for the right moment. Whether this will be to speak out or take some other sort of action is left open-ended. However, it is clear that the singer wants the other person to know that they will get what they deserve.