Taint Your World
Toto Lyrics


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Screaming at the sun I t have spilled a little moonshine on my head
Didn't have to run, but there was no one left behind accept for the dead

I didn't see it coming, but that rummy-stilted crackpot knew my game
Left my head a humming, like a ball peen hammer drives a nail to shame

I suggest you listen up to what I have to say
Witnessed many crooked things, I smell your DNA
Stab me, take me down, you know you'll never get your way

Taint your world
You're so far away from where you think you need to be
Taint your world
Cause you don't want to fuck with me

Didn't anybody get the cipher from the flying rat machine
Gnarly, little, scrunched up, tiny fingers, and its disposition mean

Anybody out of line will soon be on the list
My back's against the wall and yet I know I must resist
Time to tell the truth, I think somebody's getting pissed

Taint your world
You're not even close to where you think you need to be
Taint your world
You got another guess coming if you think you're fooling me

Taint your world
So far away from where you think you need to be
Taint your world
Where I belong just like an oyster and a pearl
Taint your world
You're not even close to where you think you need to be




Taint your world
Taint your world

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Toto's song "Taint Your World" portrays the singer as someone who is unafraid to take risks and challenge authority, as seen in their rebellious act of screaming at the sun and drinking moonshine. However, the verse also implies that the singer is in a post-apocalyptic world, as they note that there is no one left behind except for the dead. The second half of the verse introduces a new character, a "rummy-stilted crackpot," who appears to have the upper hand in the singer's "game," leaving their head "humming" in a way that is both bewildering and shaming.


The chorus of the song, "Taint Your World," serves as a declaration of defiance from the singer towards their oppressors, whoever they may be. The repetition of the phrase "you're so far away from where you think you need to be" suggests that the singer perceives themselves as being more self-aware and in touch with reality than their adversaries. The line "cause you don't want to fuck with me" is particularly noteworthy for its blunt, straightforward language that conveys a sense of confidence and intimidation.


The second verse of the song provides some additional context to the setting and characters of the song. The reference to a "flying rat machine" and gnarled, mean fingers implies that the singer is dealing with some sort of dystopian technological or biological threat. The line "anybody out of line will soon be on the list" further underscores the oppressive nature of the world in which the singer finds themselves. The verse concludes with the singer expressing their conviction to resist whatever forces are pitted against them, even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.


Line by Line Meaning

Screaming at the sun I t have spilled a little moonshine on my head
Expressing frustration and anger, I've become intoxicated with liquor of which I've spilled some in the process. It was an unnecessary action, but as there's nobody accompanying me, I had no worry about leaving someone behind.


Didn't have to run, but there was no one left behind except for the dead
Although I had no need to hurry, nobody is accompanying me anymore due to death.


I didn't see it coming, but that rummy-stilted crackpot knew my game
The person I least expected to have knowledge of my plan revealed that they did behind my back.


Left my head a-hummin', like a ball-peen hammer drives a nail to shame
Their knowledge left me in shock, with my mind whirling and spinning just as if it was hit with a hammer, forcefully.


I suggest you listen up to what I have to say
It's imperative that you pay attention to my words.


Witnessed many crooked things, I smell your DNA
Having seen numerous corrupt things, I can detect your guilt and involvement in such actions just like the presentation of a biological sample like DNA evidence.


Stab me, take me down, you know you'll never get your way
Even if you manage to physically harm me, you'll never be successful in getting your desired outcome.


Taint your world
Your world will become corrupted and ruined due to your actions.


You're so far away from where you think you need to be
You're significantly detached from the place or mindset you believe you need to reach.


Cause you don't want to fuck with me
It would be unwise for you to provoke or irritate me.


Didn't anybody get the cipher from the flying rat machine
Has nobody been able to understand the code or message relayed from the unconventional source?


Gnarly, little, scrunched up, tiny fingers, and its disposition mean
The odd device has twisted, small fingers and an unpleasant nature or purpose.


Anybody out of line will soon be on the list
Someone who steps out of bounds or disobeys the rules will soon be singled out and given negative consequences.


My back's against the wall and yet I know I must resist
Even though I am in a tough situation and feel vulnerability, I must find a way to resist and fight back against the opposition.


Time to tell the truth, I think somebody's getting pissed
It's time for honesty, and that candor may have offended someone who is now angry.


Where I belong, just like an oyster and a pearl
I feel comfortable and secure in my current place or position, much like how an oyster creates a pearl in its shell.


You got another guess coming if you think you're fooling me
Be prepared for a surprise if you believe that I am unable to discern your deceitful actions.




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: DAVID F FRANK PAICH, MICHAEL J PORCARO, ROBERT T KIMBALL, SIMON PETER PHILLIPS, STEVEN LEE LUKATHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Denis S. Pratt


on Take My Hand

Beautiful rendition of a reconciling moment that my mother and I will lay to rest.

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