Self Defense

Album: Suicane Gratification (1999)
Play Video
  • Cheekbones and hormones
    Your only self-defense
    Lying through dinner
    And your rock and roll teeth again
    You've harbored a coward
    Fed him full of broth
    This nocturnal sadness
    Leave you pale as this tablecloth
    Careful don't you spill your dinner
    That would be a good defense
    Then you wouldn't have to sit here
    On the fence

    Cheekbones and hormones
    He's the accidental man
    Tell you in a stage whisper
    about the boy who cried benefit
    As the poet drags the darkness
    Within him to the light
    It's only in self-defense
    That they drag you out into the night
    Careful don't you spill your dinner
    That would be your best defense
    Careful what you wish for

    An idiot and a genius
    Standing up to dine
    Breaking man made laws
    Cause I only follow those that are divine
    And only when you're chased
    Do you ever run fast
    And it's wrong to commit a suicide
    It's only in self-defense Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • John from Levittown, NyShawn Colvin sings backup on this song. Westerberg has said this song took him six months to write, as opposed to most of his stuff, which tends to be quickly written when the inspiration hits him. A truly underappreciated musician and lyricist.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

They Might Be Giants

They Might Be GiantsSongwriter Interviews

Who writes a song about a name they found in a phone book? That's just one of the everyday things these guys find to sing about. Anything in their field of vision or general scope of knowledge is fair game. If you cross paths with them, so are you.

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."