No!
They Might Be Giants Lyrics


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No is no
No is always no
If they say no, it means a thousand times no

No plus no equals no
All nos lead to no no no

Finger pointing, eyebrows low
Mouth in the shape of the letter O

Pardon me, no!
Excuse me, no!
May I stay?
Can I go?
No, no, no

Do this, no!
Don't do that, no!
Sit, stay, roll over
No, no, no

Finger pointing, eyebrows low
Mouth in the shape of the letter O




Red means stop. Do not go.
No, no, no

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of They Might Be Giants’ song No! convey a clear and simple message: “no” means “no.” The song seems to address the frustrations of being told “no” all the time, as the lyrics emphasize that no matter how many times someone may ask or what they may say, a “no” will always mean “no.” The repetition of the word “no” throughout the song serves to emphasize this point.


The song also touches on the idea of authority figures telling us what to do and what not to do. The chorus includes phrases like “Do this, no! / Don't do that, no!” which suggest that we are often being controlled and told how to behave. The reference to “Sit, stay, roll over” implies that we are expected to obey and perform like trained animals. The final lines of the song, “Red means stop. Do not go. / No, no, no,” reinforce the idea that we are constantly being given instructions on how to behave and how to follow rules.


Line by Line Meaning

No is no
The word 'no' means the refusal or denial of something.


No is always no
No will always mean no, regardless of context or situation.


If they say no, it means a thousand times no
The answer 'no' is firm and not open to negotiation, even if asked multiple times.


No plus no equals no
Adding two 'no's together will not result in a 'yes'.


All nos lead to no no no
Repeatedly hearing the word 'no' can become frustrating or disheartening.


Finger pointing, eyebrows low Mouth in the shape of the letter O
These physical cues, such as pointing and facial expressions, often indicate negative feedback or criticism.


Pardon me, no! Excuse me, no! May I stay? Can I go? No, no, no
These phrases all lead to the same firm response - no.


Do this, no! Don't do that, no! Sit, stay, roll over No, no, no
Commands or requests that are met with a 'no' can be frustrating for both parties.


Red means stop. Do not go. No, no, no
The color red and the word 'no' are both indicators to stop or not proceed with something.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ali K. Jones, Jason Epperson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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