If you ask me why I lie to you
I can tell you I don't know myself
Its amazingly dishonest
But I'd have to recognize it
As part of myself
Straighten up
Why can't you straighten up
I've heard you tell me this
So many times
It doesn't even stick
I get it all the time
I get it all the time
You know I love to make
A joke of it
And if you ask me why I hurt you
I don't understand it
I can't help myself
Its a special combination
Of preditory instinct
And simple ill will
I would give some thought to it
If I thought that it might do me
Some good
Some good
Straighten up
Why can't you straighten up
You always say I'll lose
Control of it
And thirty is not too old
Well momma I would give some thought to it
If I thought that it might do me
Some good
Some good
Some good
I can tell you I don't know myself
Its amazingly dishonest
But I'd have to recognize it
As part of myself
Why can't you straighten up
I've heard you tell me this
So many times
It doesn't even stick
I get it all the time
You know I love to make
A joke of it
I don't understand it
I can't help myself
Its a special combination
Of preditory instinct
And simple ill will
If I thought that it might do me
Some good
Some good
Why can't you straighten up
You always say I'll lose
Control of it
And thirty is not too old
If I thought that it might do me
Some good
Some good
Some good
Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
"If you ask me why i hurt you I don't understand it I can't help myself. It's a special combination. Of predatory instinct, And simple ill will."
How much more honest can she get? She's in a relationship and she's not being the best partner there is. Still, she doesn't care. She is just being herself, and dwelling on her imperfections won't do her any good. So, she says, I hurt you. I can't avoid or deny it. I don't care. You can stay or go.
Very empowering.
How much is this song autobiographical? If the answer is substantially, then this song is arguably the most important / insightful / honest about herself in a long time.