Oh No
Zappa Mothers Lyrics


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Oh no
I don't believe it
You say that you think you know
The meaning of love
You say love is all we need
You say
With your love you can change
All of the fools
All of the hate
I think you're probably
Out to lunch

Oh no
I don't believe it
You say that you think you know
The meaning of love
Do you really think it can be told?
You say that you really know
I think
You should check it again
How can you say
What you believe
Will be the key to a
World of love?

All your love
Will it save me?
All your love
Will it save the world
From what we can't understand?
Oh no
I don't believe it

And in your dreams
You can see yourself
As a prophet
Saving the world
The
Words from your lips
I just can't believe




You are such
A fool

Overall Meaning

The song "Oh No" by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention is a cynical take on the concept of love, which is portrayed as untrue, misguided, and hopeless. The lyrics challenge the idea that love is a panacea for all the world's problems, offering a bitter critique of both naive idealism and self-delusion. The singer is skeptical of the claim that love can change the world, suggesting that those who believe in it are "out to lunch." He questions the very idea of defining love, asking, "Do you really think it can be told?" In his view, the notion that love can save us from what we can't understand is a delusion.


The song's repeated refrain, "Oh no, I don't believe it," underscores the singer's incredulity and distaste for the romantic ideal. He seems to find it laughable that someone would see themselves as a prophet, dreaming of saving the world with their words. The song is a wake-up call, suggesting that romantic love is not the solution for the world's problems, and that those who believe otherwise are naive.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh no
Expressing disbelief and disagreement with what was previously said or heard.


I don't believe it
Continuing to express disbelief and disagreement with what was previously said or heard.


You say that you think you know
Pointing out that the singer claims to have knowledge about something.


The meaning of love
Referring to the concept of love as something that is not easily definable.


You say love is all we need
Indicating that the artist has a simplistic view of love and its role in creating a better world.


You say
Drawing attention to the fact that the singer is making statements and claims about love.


With your love you can change
Suggesting that the singer believes that love has transformative powers.


All of the fools
Imagining that love can change the behavior of people who act foolishly.


All of the hate
Imagining that love can eradicate hate from human society.


I think you're probably
Expressing doubt about the validity of the previous claims.


Out to lunch
Using a colloquial phrase to imply that the singer believes the other person's ideas are unrealistic or impractical.


Do you really think it can be told?
Questioning the notion that love can be fully articulated or explained in words.


You say that you really know
Acknowledging that the other person is confident in their beliefs about love.


I think
Introducing a counter-argument or alternative viewpoint.


You should check it again
Encouraging the other person to reevaluate their beliefs about love and its power.


How can you say
Questioning the logical basis for the other person's claims about love.


What you believe
Referring to the other person's beliefs about the nature of love and its role in society.


Will be the key to a
Suggesting that the other person's beliefs are the solution to a problem or challenge.


World of love?
Imagining a utopian society based on love and acceptance.


All your love
Referring to the other person's beliefs about the power of love.


Will it save me?
Asking whether the other person's beliefs about love can save the artist or the world at large.


Will it save the world
Questioning the grandeur of the other person's claims about love and its societal impact.


From what we can't understand?
Pointing out that there are complex and difficult-to-understand problems in the world that love may not be able to solve.


And in your dreams
Suggesting that the other person's beliefs about love are unrealistic or based on fantasy.


You can see yourself
Imagining that the other person has a grandiose vision of themselves and their impact on the world.


As a prophet
Comparing the other person to a religious figure who is believed to have special access to knowledge or truth.


Saving the world
Describing the other person's beliefs about the transformative power of love on a grand scale.


The
Referring to the next line of the song.


Words from your lips
Referring to the other person's spoken beliefs about love and its power.


I just can't believe
Expressing disbelief or doubt about the other person's beliefs.


You are such
Using an insult or term of derision to dismiss the other person's beliefs.


A fool
Finalizing the insult by labeling the other person as foolish.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank Zappa

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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