I would if I could but I can't
Rebellious Desires Unleashed: Gary Glitter's Musical Confession
Lyrics
Gary Glitter - I would if I could but I can't
The speaker expresses a desire to do something but is unable to.
Momma tries to put me down, Poppa's so annoyed
Parents criticize and frustrate the speaker; Mom is disapproving, and Dad is annoyed.
Every night the girl come around and try to spread a little joy
A girl visits nightly, attempting to bring happiness or pleasure to the speaker.
I wanna be a bad bad boy
The speaker desires to be a rebellious and mischievous boy.
I would if I would I could if I could, I would be good
The speaker reflects on the hypothetical scenario of being good, expressing a wish for it.
Climbing through the backrom door, sneaking down the hall
The speaker describes sneaking into a place through the back door and down the hall.
Hiding on the bedroom floor, I think I'm gonna have a ball, yeah
The speaker anticipates a thrilling experience, possibly romantic, in a hidden location.
I'm only human after all
The speaker acknowledges their human nature, implying fallibility or vulnerability.
Mary Jane, my highschool queen, raises eyes of blue
Mary Jane, a person from high school with blue eyes, is mentioned as a romantic interest.
Lindy Lou sweet seventeen, I try to keep her coming through
Lindy Lou, a seventeen-year-old, is also mentioned, suggesting multiple romantic interests.
Oh, what's a growing boy to do
The speaker contemplates the challenges or dilemmas faced by a growing boy.
I would if I would I could if I could, I would be good
Reiteration of the desire to be good if possible, emphasizing the speaker's internal struggle.
Candy bars can be so nice, when you're nine years old
Candy bars are fondly remembered as enjoyable when the speaker was nine years old.
Now I want my apple pies for someone I can have and hold
The speaker now desires apple pies, possibly as a metaphor for comfort or companionship.
Wanna lose my selfcontrol
The speaker expresses a desire to lose self-control, possibly indicating a longing for freedom or abandon.
Lose my, ugh, I wanna lose my self control, Honey
Reiteration of the desire to lose self-control, now addressed to someone affectionately as "Honey."
Momma tries to put me down............
Repetition of the earlier scenario with Mom trying to put the speaker down, suggesting a recurring theme.
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