Got To Give It Up

Album: Black Rose - A Rock Legend (1979)
Play Video
  • [Chorus]
    I've got to give it up I've got to give it up
    That stuff
    I've got to give it up I've got to give it up
    That stuff

    Tell my mama and tell my pa
    That their fine young son didn't get far
    He made it to the end of a bottle
    Sitting in a sleazy bar

    He tried hard but his spirit broke
    He tried until he nearly choked
    In the end he lost his
    Bottle drinking alcohol

    [Chorus]

    Tell my brother I tried to write and
    Put pen to paper but I was frightened
    I couldn't seem to get the words out right
    Right quite right

    Tell my sister I'm sinking slow
    Now and again I powder my nose
    In the end I lost my bottle
    It smashed in a casaba

    [Chorus: x2]

    I've been messing with the heavy stuff
    For a time I couldn't get enough
    But I'm waking up and its wearing off
    Junk don't take you far

    Tell my mama I'm coming home
    In my youth I'm getting older
    And I think its lost control
    Mama I'm coming home

    [Chorus] Writer/s: PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT, WILLIAM SCOTT GORHAM
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Mickey from Wollongong, AustraliaActually met Phil Lynott in Puerto Banuz (Andalusia, Spain) 1985. But he was depressed and completely off the road. Unfortunately. Miss him.
  • Darko from Seatle WaNot an OD. He died of septicemia, due to the bar fighting he was fond of. Because of heroin, he didn't feel the pain and get it treated.
  • Gregg from Manchester, EnglandActually Phil died of heart failure and pneumonia due mainly to a heroin overdose - although I'm pretty sure the heavy drinking didn't contribute to his well being. Great song - love the live version from the album Live/Life.
  • Patrick Hamilton from Braintree, EnglandYeah kate i read that too - i think its a good choice personally, reckon hes a good actor, actually.
  • Kate from Manchester, NhGary Dourdan of CSI fame has reportedly been chosen to play Phil Lynott in an adaptation of "My Boy," a memoir Phil Lynott's mother wrote about their relationship.
  • Paul from Rothesay, New Brunswick , CanadaAnother amazing underrated songwriter. Rest in peace Phil.
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."