Tom explains in the album’s liner notes that “Easy Target” was based on a s… Read Full Bio ↴Tom explains in the album’s liner notes that “Easy Target” was based on a story from “a friend’s”—who has since been revealed to be producer Jerry Finn—middle school years. Finn was in love with a female classmate, Holly, who invited him over to her house, only to have her and her friend drench him with a hose; humiliated, he rode home on his bicycle.

From the liner notes on the album booklet DeLonge said:

"A friend of ours told a story of when he was young and got asked to go to the prettiest girl in the high school’s house. He rode his bike as fast as he could to get there, and she and her friend jumped out of the balcony and sprayed him with a hose. He rode home wet, sad, and humiliated."

Easy Target
blink-182 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

All her signals are getting lost in the ether
(That's what she wanted)
She's a landslide with a city beneath her
(That's what she wanted)
So take a good look so you'll never forget it
(That's what she wanted)
Take a deep breath, I know I'm gonna regret it
(That's what she wanted)

Holly's lookin' dry, lookin' for an easy target
Let her slit my throat, give her ammo if she'll use it
Caution on the road, lies, lies and hidden danger
Southern California's breeding mommy's little monster

She's got a mission, and I'm collateral damage
(That's what she wanted)
She's the flower that you place on my casket
(That's what she wanted)
Savor the moment 'cause the memory's fleeting
Take a photograph as the last train is leaving

Holly's lookin' dry, lookin' for an easy target
Let her slit my throat, give her ammo if she'll use it
Caution on the road, lies, lies and hidden danger
Southern California's breeding mommy's little monster

Better run, run, run, run, run (Holly, let me out)
Better run, run, run, run, run (Holly, let me out)

Better run, run, run, run, run (Holly, let me out)
Better run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run (Holly, let me out)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Easy Target by blink-182 seems to be about a woman named Holly who is on a mission, and the singer is caught up in the middle of it. The first few lines suggest that Holly's signals and communication are 'getting lost in the ether,' which may imply that she is struggling to express herself, or that those who need to hear her message are not listening. The line 'she's a landslide like a city beneath her' could indicate that she has a lot going on beneath the surface, and it's about to crumble.

The singer seems to be warning the audience to take note of Holly before it's too late. "Take a good look, so you'll never forget it' and 'Savor the moment cause the memory's fleeting' are particularly relevant. He understands their interaction will lead to consequences and regret, but he cannot help himself from being caught up in it.

The chorus repeats multiple times, suggesting that Holly is dangerous, and the singer should be careful, especially because she is looking for 'an easy target.' The last few lines remain the chorus but adding some variations like a moment where he asks Holly to let him out, indicating that he is trapped merely by interaction with her. The song portrays a relationship where a person is manipulated, hurt, and abandoned by a woman who was only looking for someone to use and is a personification of Southern California's toxicity.

Line by Line Meaning

All her signals are getting lost in the ether, she's a landslide like a city beneath her
She is communicating but her message is not being received. She is overwhelming and unstoppable, like a landslide burying a city.

So take a good look, so you'll never forget it (That's what she wanted)
Pay attention to what is happening so you remember it later. This is what she desires.

Take a deep breath, I know I'm gonna regret it (That's what she wanted)
Prepare yourself for what you are about to do, because you will feel remorse afterwards. This is what she intends.

Holly's looking dry looking for an easy target
Holly appears unapproachable and desperate for someone to blame or use.

Let her slit my throat give her ammo if she'll use it
I am willing to be wounded or killed by Holly as long as it serves her purposes.

Caution on the road lies lies and hidden danger
Be careful because the path ahead is full of deception and risks.

Southern California's breeding mommy's little monster
The culture of Southern California is raising and nurturing people, especially women, who are manipulative and selfish.

She's got a mission, and I'm collateral damage (That's what she wanted)
She has a goal to achieve, and I am an acceptable casualty. This is what she intended.

She's the flower that you place on my casket (That's what she wanted)
She is the symbol of death that will be used to decorate my funeral. This is what she wished for.

Savor the moment cause the memory's fleeting
Enjoy this instant because the memory will soon be forgotten.

Take a photograph, as the last train is leaving
Capture this moment, even though it is at the end of the line.

Better run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Escape as quickly as possible. Holly, release me.

Better run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Flee from this situation right now. Holly, release me.

Better run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Make a break for it before it's too late. Holly, release me.

Better run run run run run run run (Holly let me out)
Don't hesitate, sprint to safety. Holly, release me.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Thomas DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, Travis L. Barker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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