At the Edge
Defying Conformity: Stiff Little Fingers' Anthem of Youth Rebellion
Lyrics
Back when I was younger they were talking at me
Reflecting on past experiences where people talked at the speaker without listening.
Never listened to a word I said
Expressing frustration that others ignored the speaker's words.
Back when I was younger they were talking at me
Repetition for emphasis on the lack of attention and communication.
Never listened to a word I said
Highlighting the persistent issue of not being heard.
Always yap-yap-yapping and complaining at me
Describing constant complaining that led the speaker to contemplate their worth.
Made me think I'd be better off dead
Feeling overwhelmed, with thoughts of being better off dead due to the constant negativity.
I don't want to talk about it
Expressing a desire to avoid discussing the past difficulties.
I don't want to hear no lip
Rejecting the idea of listening to criticism or unwanted opinions.
Take your share, don't shout about it
Advising others to accept their share of responsibility without complaining.
That's your lot, remember you're a kid
Reminding that being a kid comes with limitations, urging to remember that.
They would always teach me that to swear was a sin
Recalling teachings against swearing, suggesting a conservative upbringing.
Always speak your mind but not aloud
Encouraging speaking one's mind but with caution, hinting at suppression.
Think of something that you want to do with your life
Advising to think about life goals, but limiting acceptable choices.
Nothing that you like, that's not allowed
Expressing restrictions on pursuing personal likes and desires.
I've no time to talk about it
Declining to engage in discussions about these restrictions.
All your stupid hopes and dreams
Dismissing aspirations and dreams as foolish.
Get your feet back on the ground, son
Emphasizing the importance of practical achievements over personal interests.
It's exams that count, not football teams
Diminishing the significance of sports (football teams) compared to exams.
And I'm running at the edge of their world
Expressing defiance and independence by running at the edge of societal norms.
They're criticising something they just can't understand
Highlighting the criticism faced for deviating from societal expectations.
Living on the edge of their town
Living on the outskirts, away from the norms and expectations of their town.
And I won't be shot down
Asserting resilience against criticism and opposition.
Taught me to defend myself and to be a man
Learning self-defense and traditional expectations of manhood.
How to kick someone and run away
Adopting a survival mindset, advocating for self-preservation.
Gave me everything that any young man could need
Receiving material support but facing a lack of understanding regarding personal choices.
But don't understand why I won't stay
Expressing a disconnect between the speaker's desires and others' expectations.
Here's your room and here's your records
Providing physical necessities but lacking emotional or spiritual support.
Here's your home and here you'll stay
Establishing a place for the speaker but devoid of genuine connection or belonging.
Here's somewhere I don't believe in
Rejecting certain aspects of the given environment.
Wish someone would take it all away
Expressing a desire for liberation from the current situation.
And I'm running at the edge of their world
Reiterating the theme of running at the edge, defying societal norms.
They're criticising something they just can't understand
Reaffirming the criticism faced for deviating from societal expectations.
Living on the edge of their town
Living on the outskirts, away from the norms and expectations of their town.
And I won't be shot down
Emphasizing resilience against criticism and opposition.
Running at the edge of their world
Continuing the theme of running at the edge, defying societal norms.
And they're criticising something they just can't understand
Reiterating the criticism faced for deviating from societal expectations.
Living on the edge of their town
Living on the outskirts, away from the norms and expectations of their town.
And I won't be
Asserting resilience against criticism and opposition.
No, I won't be
Stating a refusal to be shot down or defeated.
No, I won't be shot down
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