Why do you think me so hard to get?
Is there something they might regret?
Is it better to just forget, just forget?

If they only would let us know
Then we'd know just how far to go
But instead they just tell us "no", tell us "no"

You, you always played the fool (you always played the fool)
You always break the rule
At every single school you know (you always break the rule)
It always pulled you down
They could always pull you down

You, you never stayed the same (you never stayed the same)
And now you take the blame
For all the little games they play (you always take the blame)
And let it bring you down
Why'd you let it bring you down?

Why do you think me so hard to get?
Is there something they might regret?
Is it better to just forget, just forget?

If they only would let us know
Then we'd know just how far to go
But instead they just tell us "no", tell us "no"

You, you never stayed the same (you never stayed the same)
And now you take the blame
For all the little games they play (you always take the blame)
And let it bring you down
Why'd you let it bring you down?

Should I smoke or should I die?
Somebody must tell me why
Should I laugh, should I cry
Won't somebody help me?

Don't know what to say
You're makin' me better
I've learned how to pray
Change in the weather today
Don't know what to do
Just makes it hard to lose

The day passes by
Nobody listens
And nobody cries
For anyone's mission today
Don't know what to do
Just makes it hard to choose

Should I smoke or should I die?
Somebody must tell me why
Should I laugh, should I cry
Won't somebody help me?


Lyrics submitted by richie

Meanwhile Back At The Ranch/Should I Smoke song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    No one's commented on one of Badfinger's best later songs. It would seem that this song is about how the band was mismanaged and taken advantage of in the later years. "Should I Smoke or Should I Die/ Somebody must tell me why" illustrates how the bandmembers were slaves to the financial whims of their managers. Their Manager eventually caused Pete Ham's suicide. I'd have to read the Best of Badfinger booklet to make sure that's the right story.

    segouldon July 15, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    An amazing song, the way it was constructed, out of two separate compositions, one by Pete Ham, the other part by Joey Molland I believe. Just a classic 70's rocksong, a lost nugget from an under appreciated band.

    Reed Rothchildon January 07, 2010   Link

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