The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
(Usher, Usher, Usher)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
I can't, get to work on time
Can't believe the words to her I just said
But who the hell argue and fight like dogs
At six in the morning? (in the mornin')
I know its gonna be some more shh tonight, mm, ooh
Our pastor's callin', tellin' me I done went too far and
I'm seen around town and my friends can't recognize me
'Cause I took a chance on love (love)
It's like (like), I'm dyin' (ooh dyin')
For you I gave my heart and turned my back against the world
'Cause you were my girl, girl, girl
I done damn near lost my mama, I done been through so much drama
I done turned into the man that I never thought I'd be
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to
As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
I'm losin' my mind, can't figure out who's wrong or right
I know it's you I love
But then I also know it's you I don't like
You claim you hate who I was
But that's the reason you here now
You think I don't know what's up
But sweetheart that's what ruined us
I ain't afraid to say I got needs
But the only time you here for me
Is when the bottles poppin' and everything is sweet
But I (I) listen
I'm tired of sleeping in the other room spending them long nights
Trying to figure out what in the hell in my heart I ain't do right
(Ooh for you)
For you I gave my heart and turned my back against the world
(back against the world)
'Cause you were my girl, girl (girl), girl
I done damn near lost my mama (mama)
I done been through so much drama(drama)
I done turned into the man that I never thought I'd be
(never thought I would be)
I'm ready to sign them papers (papers), papers (papers), papers (papers)
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to
As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say
I'm ready to sign them papers (papers), papers (papers), papers (papers)
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
I can't take, oh-oh
Oh, ooh-yeah (papers)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Ready, ready, ready, ready
All my fellas up in here, if you had enough and you're ready to sign say
Ready, ready, ready, ready (I'm ready, yes I am)
All my ladies if you sick and tired, and you're, ready to sign, say
Ready, ready, ready, ready (ooh)
I can't keep livin' this life, I'm finna' leave it for the last time I'm
Ready, ready, ready, ready
I done damn near lost my mama, I done been through so much drama
I done turned into the man I never thought I'd be
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl
I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to
As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
I can't, get to work on time
Can't believe the words to her I just said
But who the hell argue and fight like dogs
At six in the morning? (in the mornin')
I know its gonna be some more shh tonight, mm, ooh
Our pastor's callin', tellin' me I done went too far and
I'm seen around town and my friends can't recognize me
'Cause I took a chance on love (love)
It's like (like), I'm dyin' (ooh dyin')
For you I gave my heart and turned my back against the world
'Cause you were my girl, girl, girl
I done damn near lost my mama, I done been through so much drama
I done turned into the man that I never thought I'd be
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to
As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
I'm losin' my mind, can't figure out who's wrong or right
I know it's you I love
But then I also know it's you I don't like
You claim you hate who I was
But that's the reason you here now
You think I don't know what's up
But sweetheart that's what ruined us
I ain't afraid to say I got needs
But the only time you here for me
Is when the bottles poppin' and everything is sweet
But I (I) listen
I'm tired of sleeping in the other room spending them long nights
Trying to figure out what in the hell in my heart I ain't do right
(Ooh for you)
For you I gave my heart and turned my back against the world
(back against the world)
'Cause you were my girl, girl (girl), girl
I done damn near lost my mama (mama)
I done been through so much drama(drama)
I done turned into the man that I never thought I'd be
(never thought I would be)
I'm ready to sign them papers (papers), papers (papers), papers (papers)
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to
As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say
I'm ready to sign them papers (papers), papers (papers), papers (papers)
(I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl)
I can't take, oh-oh
Oh, ooh-yeah (papers)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, papers
Ready, ready, ready, ready
All my fellas up in here, if you had enough and you're ready to sign say
Ready, ready, ready, ready (I'm ready, yes I am)
All my ladies if you sick and tired, and you're, ready to sign, say
Ready, ready, ready, ready (ooh)
I can't keep livin' this life, I'm finna' leave it for the last time I'm
Ready, ready, ready, ready
I done damn near lost my mama, I done been through so much drama
I done turned into the man I never thought I'd be
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl
I can't deny how much I love you, I done gave up everything I had to
As hard as it is I'm afraid I gotta say
I'm ready to sign them papers, papers, papers
I done took all I can take but you leave me no options, girl
Lyrics submitted by luckyylibra
Papers Lyrics as written by Alonzo Mathis Xavier Dotson
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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first comment? pretty new song so i understand lol. this songs meaning is pretty clear. its bout a divorce. how he still loves the girl but he did everything he could and she didnt help so he is going to sign the papers.(divorce papers)
Pretty obvious song. It's a nice song. I love the beat and the lyrics.
i can't believe how amazing this song is!! fell in love within the first 30 seconds of my first listen. if this is a sign of the new cd...hooray!! poor usher though! :( <3
i love this song... its so amazing! its about a divorce, he still loves the girl but has no choice.