Well there is no such thing as you
It doesn't matter what you do
The more you try to qualify
The more it all will pass you by
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is

Well the more you try to shave the cat
The more the thing will bite and scratch
Its best I think to leave its fur
And to listen to its silky purr
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is

Well there is no such thing as you
It doesn't matter what you do
The more you try to qualify
The more it all will pass you by
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is
Some people like to make life a little tougher than it is


Lyrics submitted by Eamon

Tougher Than It Is Lyrics as written by John M Mccrea Christopher Gabriel Nelson

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Tougher Than It Is song meanings
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13 Comments

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  • +1
    General Commentyeah i'd say its about just being happy with what you have, and 'if it aint broke, don't fix it.' like some people are never happy with what they have and always go after more, when what they have is great and they'll probably just screw it up.

    i can't think about shaving a cat and not smile. cake is great that way
    tunasandwich77on January 15, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI cqan't help but whistle along with the trumpet solo it's so amazing!!
    Alec2234on June 24, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General CommentThe irony of a direct, and straightforward song, written about how people need to stop overanalyzing everything and just chill, and go with the flow is overwhelming.

    There's really nothing to interpret about this song. It's pretty obvious what the song is about.
    Wrist.cut.showon June 09, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment"Well, the more you try to shave the cat
    The more the thing will bite and scratch
    It's best, I think, to leave its fur
    And to listen to its silky purr"

    Great lyrics.

    A song about how most people should chill out and leave it be. They cause more problems than they presumely try to fix.
    lewikeeon October 08, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment"Well, the more you try to shave the cat
    The more the thing will bite and scratch
    It's best, I think, to leave its fur
    And to listen to its silky purr"

    I like that part.

    He's commenting on how most people should leave it be. Don't try to fix something when fixing it will cause more problems.
    lewikeeon October 08, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General CommentHas John actually tried to shave a cat??
    JustJulieon October 08, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThis song rocks!

    Like you need me to tell you that?! Right.

    ... "Hey dude. Stop trying to shave the cat .... It's all good."
    kpismpstpon October 28, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThis may be for people who pretend to have depression by thinking that their life is tougher than it really is. But that's just my take on it
    elangbam7on August 25, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentYeah the meaning of the song is pretty clear on top; some people DO like to make life "tougher than it is". But what is John REALLY trying to say?
    MrMastadonFarmon September 27, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentYeah, I have this one friend who reminds me exactly of this song. She stresses all the time about the most petty things, it makes me want to tell her to just chill out some of the time and enjoy life. Because in the end, if you are stressing, you're effectively letting your life pass you by. Then again, this is coming from one of the most chilled out people on the planet :P
    coolbluereasonon June 11, 2006   Link

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