I've got it now
Like a thorn in my side the size of a Cadillac
Drive it through
Cause backing up now would be next to impossible
I had it all
When I was with you I forgot about everything
18 months
18 months seems like fucking eternity

And you'll be there
To dry my eyes
When I breathe you in
In 97

I've got it now
Like a thorn in my side the size of a Cadillac
Drive it through
Cause backing up now would be next to impossible
I had it all
When I was with you I forgot about everything
18 months
I won't breathe for 18 months

I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this

I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this
I don't deserve this


Lyrics submitted by aur0ra

97 Lyrics as written by Mathew Thomas Skiba Glenn Porter

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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'97 song meanings
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89 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment

    This is the best angry song ever.

    moacsupremeon November 04, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is one of ALK3's most amazing songs! They put everything they have into it live, its absolute genius, there is a live version out with a 2nd verse. Its very good, what an amazing band!

    Jonny_mac_don July 08, 2002   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Back in the City The Sun bakes the trash on the curb where the men are pissing in doorways rats are running in herds

    Had a dream with your face in it It scared me awake I put too much on the table I put too much at stake

    Those words are the original ending, judging by those I think the song is about a girl, however the drug idea DOES make sense...

    Duffmanon March 27, 2003   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Theres an interview with Matt Skiba in a High Times magazine. He says something along the lines of everyone though 97 was about a girl but it was actually about when he got caught in his car with some weed and was bummed and had 18 months of probation.

    BuiltToKillon March 22, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song rocks my world live... there's something extremely cathartic about repeatedly screaming "I don't deserve this'... oh how i love this band

    BlackEyedAngelson December 15, 2001   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I like the original version of this song better with the alternate ending...

    Duffmanon January 28, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i saw them do this live at manchester (and leeds too, 2 days before) but at manchester it was amazing, he broke off into tori amos half way through and we were so at the front, squashed.. half dead... but at the front. this rocks my world and my head and my boat x x

    imadeitupon April 10, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    yo, yo, got this live bootlegged sorta romp thru this song that makes its meaning abundantly clear: pot. he says "smoking for eighteen months". the breathing and memory images are also clear, i think.

    corduroyrockon April 16, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    wow. how in love am i with matt skiba? very much. this song is genius...and beautiful.

    emoprincess1on May 08, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I also "heart" Matt Skiba...the whole song reminds me about a bad breakup...18 months really does feel like eternity, guys.

    KicktheCanon May 19, 2002   Link

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