Verbal Assault was an US hardcore punk band that started in Newport, Rhode … Read Full Bio ↴Verbal Assault was an US hardcore punk band that started in Newport, Rhode Island. They played their first show on 21 November 1983, released a demo (The Masses), three EP's (Learn, On and Exit), a 7" ("Tiny Giants") and an album (Trial). Throughout the '80's they toured North America and Europe extensively. They played their last show on 4 August 1991.

When I Think
Verbal Assault Lyrics

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My experience is slim, and my knowledge is small
Sometimes I think I know nothing at all
And I reason, "If I know so little, who am I to say
Why the world is, and why it is this way?"

But then I think, I look really hard
I try to find
What I know

I look deep down inside my head
I search to find
What I know

I know I want to be free
I know I want to live
I know I want the truth
I know I must give
I know to be free
I know I have chosen a light
It may not be anyone else's
But I still search for what is right
That's what I know

And that's what I know and I know...

Overall Meaning

Verbal Assault's song "When I Think" is a deep, introspective piece that explores the concept of personal knowledge, self-discovery, and finding one's truth. The opening lines demonstrate the singer's humility, acknowledging that they have limited life experience and knowledge. They question their own authority to make sense of the world and its injustices, wondering if anyone can truly understand the why's of our existence.

However, the song takes a hopeful turn in the chorus as the singer searches within himself to find what he knows to be true. He wants to live a life of freedom, both externally and internally, seeking to know the truth and share it with others. The lyrics highlight that the journey towards finding meaning and truth is a personal one, unique to each individual. One's truth may not be the same as anyone else's, but it is still worth pursuing.

Overall, "When I Think" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to delve deep within themselves, identify what they know to be true, and pursue their own paths in life.

Line by Line Meaning

My experience is slim, and my knowledge is small
I don't have a lot of experience, nor do I have vast knowledge

Sometimes I think I know nothing at all
I have moments of uncertainty in my knowledge

And I reason, "If I know so little, who am I to say Why the world is, and why it is this way?"
I reflect on how my limited knowledge leaves me incapable of answering some of the world's questions

But then I think, I look really hard I try to find What I know I look deep down inside my head I search to find What I know
Despite my uncertainties, I still try to reflect and search within myself to gain knowledge

I know I want to be free I know I want to live I know I want the truth I know I must give I know to be free
I know that I desire freedom and to live an authentic truth, and that I must give my best effort to obtain those things

I know I have chosen a light It may not be anyone else's But I still search for what is right
I choose to follow my own path, though it may be different from others, and still search for personal truths

That's what I know And that's what I know and I know...
These are the things I know for certain, and they remain consistent in my beliefs

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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