Don't need a helmet, got a hard, hard, head
Don't need a raincoat, I'm already wet
Don't need a bandage, there's too much blood
After a while seems to roll right off

They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping

Don't need a hand, there's always arms attached
I don't get behind, I can't fall back
Why must we trust all these rusted rails?
They don't want no change we already have

They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping

Don't mean to push but I'm being shoved, oh
I'm just like you, think we've had enough
I can't believe a thing they want us to
Oh, we all got scars, they should have them too

They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping
They're whipping


Lyrics submitted by Ark

Whipping Lyrics as written by Jeff Ament Eddie Vedder

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Whipping song meanings
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  • +2
    My Interpretation

    This song speaks about a form of "moral protectionist" attitude among conservatives - the Christian Right in particular I believe.

    The sort of attitude that distrusts the ability of young people - indeed ppl of ANY age - to make their own informed choices on a range of matters, not only abortion. (ie: protect me from myself)

    Eddie is railing against the idea that anyone ELSE feels justified in making moral decisions on his behalf. The lyrics hint that even though he may choose "wrong" or make a mistake and get hurt, it's still HIS mistake to make.

    Lantaon December 06, 2011   Link

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