I Want You To Remember Me "A"
Yoko Ono Lyrics


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I had to do it
I had to do it
I mustered my voice
There was no choice

I said, honey I′m sorry
Don't be angry, okay?
I... what? I... what?

I want out
You want out

Out? Out?
Who do you think you are
You ungrateful bitch
I′ll throw you in a ditch

He grabbed me, gagged me, jabbed me, stabbed me
Oh, she's trying to crawl, she's trying to call
Who do you think you′re calling, princess?

Somebody, anybody
There′s nobody, got it?
There's nobody




You′re not going anywhere
Got it? Got it? Got it?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Yoko Ono's song "I Want You To Remember Me 'A'" recount a traumatic experience and the fear and desperation of a woman trying to leave an abusive relationship. The song depicts the moment when the woman finally musters the courage to end the relationship and inform her partner of her decision, despite knowing that this will likely trigger his violent reaction.


The repetition of "I had to do it" and "There was no choice" emphasizes the feeling of inevitability and the sense that the woman has reached a breaking point. She tries to soften the blow by saying "Don't be angry, okay?" but is met with violence and aggression. The lines "You ungrateful bitch / I'll throw you in a ditch" suggest that this was not the first time the partner had resorted to violence.


The second half of the song portrays the woman's attempt to escape her partner's grasp while he verbally and physically abuses her, culminating in him telling her "You're not going anywhere". The repeated use of the phrase "Got it?" highlights the man's need to control and dominate his partner, and the lack of empathy or concern for her wellbeing.


Overall, "I Want You To Remember Me 'A'" is a poignant and harrowing portrayal of the cycle of abuse and the exceptional courage needed to break free from it.


Line by Line Meaning

I had to do it
I was compelled to take this drastic action


I had to do it
I had no other choice but to take this course of action


I mustered my voice
I summoned the courage to speak up


There was no choice
The situation left me with no other options


I said, honey I'm sorry
I expressed remorse for my actions


Don't be angry, okay?
Please don't be upset with me


I... what? I... what?
I couldn't find the words to express myself


I want out
I want to end this situation


You want out
You also want to end this situation


Out? Out?
Is that what you really want?


Who do you think you are
What gives you the right to behave this way?


You ungrateful bitch
You are being disrespectful and unappreciative


I'll throw you in a ditch
I will harm you if you continue your behavior


He grabbed me, gagged me, jabbed me, stabbed me
He physically attacked me


Oh, she's trying to crawl, she's trying to call
She's attempting to escape or seek help


Who do you think you're calling, princess?
You won't find anyone to help you


Somebody, anybody
I am desperate for anyone to help me


There's nobody, got it?
You are alone and helpless


You're not going anywhere
You are trapped and cannot leave


Got it? Got it? Got it?
Do you understand?




Writer(s): Yoko Ono

Contributed by Addison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@PogieJoe

Thanks for uploading! This album is so hard to find

@kyleonthedial

fabulous

@themaidofmiddleearth

I love this! So honest.

@SenorZorrozzz

Oh such genius!!!! Lol

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