Guided by Voices – Game Of Pricks

"Game Of Pricks" as written by and Robert E. Jr. Pollard....
I've waited too long to have you
Hide in the back of me
I've cheated so long I wonder
How you keep track of me

You could never be strong
You can only be free
And I never asked for the truth
But you owe that to me

I entered the game of pricks
With knives in the back of me
Can't call you or on you no more
When they're attacking me

I'll climb up on the house
Weep to water the trees
And when you come calling me down
I'll put on my disease

You could never be strong
You can only be free
And I never asked for the truth
But you owe that to me


Lyrics submitted by I Saw Star Wars, edited by j0nnynoname, samcarroll212, OKBoognish

"Game of Pricks" as written by Robert E. Jr. Pollard

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Game Of Pricks song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +5
    My OpinionAmong the best rock songs of the '90s - undeniably.
    voltaboltaon February 16, 2011   Link
  • +3
    General CommentBecause 97 percent of popular music is about interpersonal relationships we tend to think that the narrator here is talking to his estranged girlfriend, or maybe an old buddy who abandoned him - but I'm not so sure that is the case. It seems that he might be talking to, or about, a component of his own personality - something inside himself. It is as if he is entering into some sort of conflict or crisis feeling that he is missing inner strength, insight, or some sort of self confidence.

    This is one of many GBV songs that are more like abstract paintings than coherent stories. I love them, they are one of my favorite bands, and they drive me crazy.
    moikon May 21, 2005   Link
  • +2
    General Commentokay - in the *hunting accidents* book bob says this song is about people who are deceptive. not knowing if what people are telling you is true or a lie. it "pricks away at you." "It had to do with dealing with people who i didnt think were being straight-up with me, and that's . . . that's the game of pricks. turns out i was totally paranoid - its not as bad as i thought it was." and so on. buy the book, man - it is terrific.
    moikon February 10, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Commenta good break up song.a committted relationship gone awry.she was never good enough nor was he now she is not the victim anymore he is.all he wanted was the truth and not the hurt that he is enduring.i feel my life has had an affect to this pulsating song.
    knurdon July 02, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Commentone of the best pop songs i've ever heard (the alien lanes version is superior to the slickly produced one, as well)
    countess of persiaon June 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentOf course he says he's cheated so long. I wonder what that means. But despite that I agree with knurd.
    Flinchy17on April 07, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI thought the lyrics were "I never asked for the truth, but you'd rather lie to me" just sayin..
    DCHarboldon April 09, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment[just my opinion]..while it could describe any assortment of "us and them"s that are cheating and lying to each other, i did get the impression it was about being in a band / music industry, etc. the band members, agent, manager, whatever are cheating each other on one hand, the record company is cheating them on the other. it's interesting to me in that...no matter how dishonest you are, you still expect others to be honest with you. human nature to put yourself first. good to have songs that shine a light on that ugliness.
    brandonedgeon March 10, 2017   Link

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