THERAPY? is an alternative rock/punk rock band from Northern Ireland. The b… Read Full Bio ↴THERAPY? is an alternative rock/punk rock band from Northern Ireland. The band was formed in 1989 by guitarist/vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer Fyfe Ewing. The band initially recorded their first demo with Andy filling in on bass guitar. To complete the line-up, the band recruited bassist Michael McKeegan.
With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."

Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )

Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)

Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)

Northern Ireland, 1989.

Don't Expect Roses
Therapy? Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Wow, great)

Well this is taking everything
Everything that I can stand
And you look like the enemy
With the answers hidden in your hands

You can tell yourself everything is fine

But don't be fooled by the sunshine
And don't expect roses
Don't expect roses

I'm thinking
Watching London sink in the Thames
I'm using all my energy
Wasted, used, recycled and drained

Maybe I'll find you sympathy
Somewhere near the end of the century
But don't expect roses
Don't expect roses

The hooligans are loose
The hooligans are loose
The hooligans are loose
The hooligans are loose
You should pay some attention to me
I won't stop throwing 'til everything's broken

So don't expect roses
Don't expect roses
Don't expect roses
Don't expect roses
Don't expect roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)
So don't expect roses

Roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)
Roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)

Don't expect roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses (Roses)
Don't expect roses

If you're looking for trouble, you can find me on the internet, motherfucker

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Expect Roses" by Therapy? is a commentary on the false promises of the world and how people should stay vigilant and should not expect everything to be perfect. The lyrics signify an individual's struggles in life and how they have no choice but to face their hardships head-on. The song starts with the lyrics "Well, this is taking everything, Everything that I can stand, And you look like the enemy, With the answers hidden in your hands," which exemplifies how it feels when an individual is facing a difficult situation and everything seems to be against them. The song also talks about how people often fall for the false sense of security and believe that everything will be alright, but it's not until they face the harsh reality that they understand it's a big mistake. This is illustrated in the lyrics "You can tell yourself everything is fine, But don't be fooled by the sunshine, And don't expect roses, Don't expect roses."

The chorus of the song "Don't Expect Roses" is repeated throughout the song, and it emphasizes the main message of the song. The lines "Don't expect roses" represent how individuals should be prepared for the worst and not hope for life to be always rosy. The song also talks about how one can feel drained and used up in life, but they must continue moving forward. This is illustrated in the lyrics "I'm using all my energy, Wasted, used, recycled, and drained, Maybe I'll find you sympathy, Somewhere near the end of the century, But don't expect roses, Don't expect roses."

In conclusion, "Don't Expect Roses" is a song with powerful lyrics and a strong message that promotes the idea of remaining vigilant, staying strong, and not losing hope in difficult times.

Line by Line Meaning

Well this is taking everything
This situation is taking a huge toll on me

Everything that I can stand
I'm at my limit and can't take much more

And you look like the enemy
I feel like you're against me

With the answers hidden in your hands
You seem to know what's going on but won't share

You can tell yourself everything is fine
You may be in denial about the situation

But don't be fooled by the sunshine
Things may look good on the surface but there are underlying problems

And don't expect roses
Don't expect everything to be perfect

I'm thinking
I'm contemplating and reflecting on everything

Watching London sink in the Thames
Feeling like everything is going to hell

I'm using all my energy
I'm giving it my all

Wasted, used, recycled and drained
Feeling exhausted and overworked