What A Mess
Yoko Ono Lyrics


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If you keep hammering anti-abortion,
We'll tell you no more masturbation for men.
Ev'ry day you're killing living sperms in billions,
So how do you feel about that, brother?

What a waste, what a waste,
What a waste, what a waste,
To have to talk to a phony like you.

If you keep telling us we're more than equal,
We'll tell you equal is not equal enough.
For centuries we've been taking your double ass deal,
So what do you say to that, brother?

What a drag, what a drag,
What a drag, what a drag,
To have to cope with a crazy like you.

Brrrr

Ah
Ah
Ah

If you keep laying on money or power,
We'll tell you meanwhile your sprinkler is out of soda.
So keep off our grass till you're in some kinda order,
What do you say to that, brother?

What a mess, what a mess,




What a mess, what a mess,
To have to put up with a fuzzy like you.

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Yoko Ono's "What A Mess" confronts the hypocrisy of individuals who vehemently oppose abortion but seem to have no qualms about the destruction of billions of living sperm through masturbation. The lyrics question the justification for prioritizing the preservation of potential life over actual, living life. The use of the term "brother" in this verse seems to appeal to a shared sense of humanity and challenge the listener to re-evaluate their beliefs.


The second verse addresses the idea of equality, pointing out that mere acknowledgement of it is not enough. The line "double ass deal" highlights the imbalance of power that has existed for centuries and suggests that true equality requires more than superficial efforts. The use of "brother" here carries a similar sentiment as in the first verse, appealing to a sense of solidarity and shared struggle.


The third verse takes a more confrontational tone, directly challenging those with money and power who seek to assert dominance over others. The imagery of a sprinkler running out of soda adds a layer of whimsy to the message, but ultimately the lyrics suggest that those with power should keep off the grass until they can establish some kind of order or equity. The repeated refrain of "What a mess" seems to sum up the frustration and exasperation of dealing with those who refuse to acknowledge their privilege or work towards a more just society.


Overall, "What A Mess" is a pointed critique of various forms of oppressive behavior and a call to action for listeners to re-evaluate their own beliefs and behaviors.


Line by Line Meaning

If you keep hammering anti-abortion,
If you continue to advocate against abortion,


We'll tell you no more masturbation for men.
we will no longer allow men to masturbate.


Ev'ry day you're killing living sperms in billions,
Every day, billions of live sperm are being destroyed.


So how do you feel about that, brother?
How do you justify that, brother?


What a waste, what a waste,
What a pity, what a pity,


What a waste, what a waste,
What a pity, what a pity,


To have to talk to a phony like you.
To have to speak with a fake person like you.


If you keep telling us we're more than equal,
If you continue to assert that we are superior,


We'll tell you equal is not equal enough.
we will let you know that merely being equal is inadequate.


For centuries we've been taking your double ass deal,
For centuries, we have been enduring your deceitful offers.


So what do you say to that, brother?
What would you like to do about it, brother?


What a drag, what a drag,
What a nuisance, what a nuisance,


What a drag, what a drag,
What a nuisance, what a nuisance,


To have to cope with a crazy like you.
To have to deal with an insane person like you.


If you keep laying on money or power,
If you continue to rely on wealth or authority,


We'll tell you meanwhile your sprinkler is out of soda.
We will inform you that your method is ineffective.


So keep off our grass till you're in some kinda order,
So stay off of our territory until you have some sense of organization.


What do you say to that, brother?
What response do you have to that, brother?


What a mess, what a mess,
What a disaster, what a disaster,


What a mess, what a mess,
What a disaster, what a disaster,


To have to put up with a fuzzy like you.
To have to tolerate an unclear person like you.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: YOKO ONO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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