Out Of Control
Todd Rundgren Lyrics


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Hot damn
Never dreamed a man could know such speed
Never had a chance to fill my need
It's just what I always wanted
To be the last of a dying breed
Said I thought I had my number down
I'd seen every scene to hit this town
Looks like no one wants to tell you
When something like this comes around
There they go, everyone's going
Everyone's gone this time
There they go, everyone's going
Don't you get left behind
Looks like it's gonna explode
Looks like it's gonna explode
Looks like it's gonna go totally out of control
Look out
I ain't never seen such chaos before
I ain't got no point of reference no more
And when I get my trip together
I'll be making a rush for the door
Doesn't anybody here know the rules
Hasn't anybody gotten through school
And the more I hear the answers
The more that I feel like a fool
Here I go, everyone's going
Everyone's gone this time
Here I go, everyone's going
Don't you get left behind
I think I'm gonna explode




I think I'm gonna explode
I think I'm gonna go totally out of control

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Out Of Control" by Todd Rundgren explore the theme of feeling overwhelmed and the chaos that can ensue when things spirals out of control. The opening lines "Hot damn, never dreamed a man could know such speed" suggest the singer is experiencing something new and exciting, but perhaps too much to handle. The phrase "to fill my need" conveys a sense of desperation, as if the singer is trying to keep up with everyone else or fit in. He notes how he thought he knew his limits, but feels like a fool as he watches others easily adapt to the situation. The repeated line "Looks like it's gonna explode" amplifies the sense of tension and anticipation building up inside the singer.


The chorus repeats a warning to not get left behind, with each verse raising the stakes with more urgency. The final line "I think I'm gonna go totally out of control" is a sobering admission that the singer is not in control of the situation and may suffer the consequences of his actions. The narrative arc of the song emphasizes the feeling of being swept up in a situation that may be exhilarating but ultimately dangerous. The lyrics suggest that we are all at risk of losing our sense of control when we are in the midst of chaos, especially if we are not paying attention to the rules or signals around us.


Line by Line Meaning

Hot damn
Expressing excitement and disbelief at the current situation.


Never dreamed a man could know such speed
Impressed with the current speed of events, and how quickly things are happening.


Never had a chance to fill my need
Hasn't had the opportunity to satisfy their desires and needs until now.


It's just what I always wanted
The current situation is exactly what they have always wanted.


To be the last of a dying breed
To be one of the few remaining people who enjoy and appreciate something that is disappearing in popularity or relevance.


Said I thought I had my number down
Before, they believed they understood their limits and capabilities.


I'd seen every scene to hit this town
They had experienced every kind of event or change that typically occurs in this town.


Looks like no one wants to tell you
No one wants to give warnings or advice about the current situation.


When something like this comes around
When a new and unexpected event happens.


There they go, everyone's going
Others are also swept up in the chaotic and exciting events.


Everyone's gone this time
Everyone is participating and no one is left behind.


Don't you get left behind
Don't miss out on the current excitement and opportunity.


Looks like it's gonna explode
The situation is becoming increasingly intense and may lead to a sudden, explosive outcome.


Looks like it's gonna go totally out of control
The situation is wild and chaotic, and it is only going to get worse.


Look out
A warning to be careful and brace for impact.


I ain't never seen such chaos before
They have never experienced such unpredictable and uncontrollable chaos.


I ain't got no point of reference no more
They have lost any sense of familiarity or understanding of the current situation.


And when I get my trip together
When they have a plan or understand what's going on.


I'll be making a rush for the door
They will quickly try to escape or get out of the chaotic situation.


Doesn't anybody here know the rules
No one seems to be following the expected or traditional behavior or rules.


Hasn't anybody gotten through school
No one seems to have learned from their past experiences or education.


And the more I hear the answers
As they learn more about what's going on.


The more that I feel like a fool
They feel increasingly foolish and out-of-place in this chaotic environment.


Here I go, everyone's going
They are joining in on the excitement and chaos.


Don't you get left behind
The same advice as before, to not miss out on what's happening.


I think I'm gonna explode
Feeling overwhelmed and bursting with intense emotions and energy.


I think I'm gonna go totally out of control
Feeling like they are losing their grip on things and may lose control of themselves entirely.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TODD HARRY RUNDGREN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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