Song Meaning
The narrator feels a profound sense of alienation, describing themselves as "trapped in a world that we're choking on" and admitting "I don't belong." This sets a tone of suffocating discontent, a feeling of being out of sync with their surroundings and unable to find a clear path forward. The repeated phrase "Never can I take it for granted" suggests a constant state of vigilance, as if any moment of peace or stability is fragile and could disappear.
The central tension arises from this internal struggle against an external, oppressive environment. The lyrics articulate a defiant stance against perceived judgment or external pressures. The chorus, "We do what we do, who cares what you say?" acts as a shield, a declaration of independence aimed at those who might criticize or misunderstand their choices. This creates a push-and-pull between the desire for self-determination and the feeling of being judged by an unseen "you."
The most striking element is the stark contrast between the verses' expressions of entrapment and the chorus's unyielding self-assertion. The line "They didn't know that punk's dead" is particularly potent, suggesting a dismissal of past norms or expectations that no longer hold sway, or perhaps a commentary on how their own rebellious spirit is perceived. This defiant repetition in the chorus, "We'll do what we want anyway," solidifies an image of a group or individual carving out their own space against resistance.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw, almost visceral portrayal of feeling like an outsider while simultaneously building an unshakeable internal resolve. The repeated, almost mantra-like chorus offers a powerful release from the claustrophobia of the verses, making the declaration of self-reliance feel earned and deeply felt, even if the exact nature of the struggle remains ambiguous.
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