Bad kids, all my friends are bad kids
Product-of-no-dad kids
Kids like you and me

Bad kids, ain't-no-college-grad kids
Livin' life out on the skids
Kids like you and me

In class
We are a minority
Got no
Respect for authority
And won't
Play well with others
And steal
From all your mothers
They'll try
To give us pills
Oh wait
Give us all the pills
Go cry
Mom, I gotta go to court
Dad won't
Pay his child support

Well, you gotta understand
We only do these things because all we are is

Bad kids, all my friends are bad kids
Product-of-no-dad kids
Kids like you and me

Bad kids, ain't-no-college-grad kids
Livin' life out on the skids
Kids like you and me

At home
He throws a hissy fit
Time out
He doesn't give a shit
Got drunk
Off of grandmas schnaps
Got caught
Runnin' from the cops
Toilet
Paper on the yard
Six F's
On my report card
Smoke cigs
In the bathroom stall
Spray paint
A penis on the wall

Well, you gotta understand
We only do these things because all we are is

Bad kids, all my friends are bad kids
Product-of-no-dad kids
Kids like you and me

Bad kids, ain't-no-college-grad kids
Livin' life out on the skids
Kids like you and me
Like you and me


Lyrics submitted by Cortez_08, edited by subfusion

Bad Kids Lyrics as written by Ian St. Pe Brown Cole Alexander

Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Bad Kids song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

12 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's pretty straightforward, but I read somewhere that it was about one of the band members' experiences as a child in a "bad kid" school, or center.

    And since Joe, the drummer, sings it, it's probably his.

    Blackieon April 27, 2008   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
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him. There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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
Magical
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.