We are just a child
we are just a child
we are wide awake
but our legs are shaky
we're unaware
we're hyper-active
we stare into space with grims on our faces
so give us what we're asking for
cause either way, we're gonna take it
our power doesn't run on nothing
we need the land you're standing on so lets go
move it


we are old as hell
we are old and tell the children
when to kill and when to sit still
everyone doing what we say
till our dieing day, till our breath is empty
so give us what we're asking for
cause either way we're gonna take it
our power doesn't run on nothing
we need the land you're standing on so
lets go
move it
yeah you need to let it go
move it

yeah we're, more equal,
we'll move you people,
off the planet cause we need the fuel

so, so let the beat roll over,
the beat roll over, everyone in line, one in line

so, so let the beat roll over,
the beat roll over, everyone in line
one at a time

they'll give us what we're asking for,
cause god is with us, and our god's the richest
our power doesn't run on nothing,
it runs on blood,
and blood is easy to obtain when you have no shame
when you have no shame

so let the sun bathe
let the sun bathe
we'll still have life, we'll burn even brighter
we'll drain the well, turn all to hell,
leave the earth's surface to the worthless dirt
let the beat roll over, let the beat roll over,
to everyone in mind, everyone in line
you think we'll cease?
you see a reason,
you think it's fair?
to think it's fair,
you think we care?


Lyrics submitted by Teffa_Bob

Power Doesn't Run On Nothing song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

15 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    The song is indeed freakin' awesome, no doubt. At first listen, I thought it was about a plea to American kids to take some action, but then it was obviously a song about our ol' US oil lust.

    I'm trying to figure out the meaning behind the "we are just a child" and "we are old as hell." Maybe it's saying that America is acting like the wise elder and the whiny kid at the same time? Or something like that?

    Kick-ass album. The Thermals step it up a little more with each release.

    agentzx3on December 25, 2006   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Blue
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.