“Add It Up” by Violent Femmes is a raw and unfiltered expression of adolescent frustration and longing. The song navigates through the turbulent emotions of youth, particularly the intense desire for romantic and physical connection that often goes unfulfilled. It captures the angst and impatience of wanting something so badly yet feeling powerless to obtain it. Through provocative lyrics, the songwriter portrays a deep sense of longing and desperation, which resonates with anyone who’s ever experienced the pangs of young love and desire.
This song isn’t just about romantic pursuits; it’s a broader commentary on the confusing and often turbulent journey of growing up. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling misunderstood and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
Curious about the deeper meanings behind the seemingly straightforward lyrics of “Add It Up” by Violent Femmes? Stick around as we unpack the layers of this iconic song.
“Add It Up” Lyrics Meaning
“Add It Up” starts with a seemingly innocent reflection of daily routine, yet it quickly dives into the more profound issues of longing and frustration. The repeated lines, “Why can’t I get just one kiss? Why can’t I get just one screw?” illustrate a deep yearning for intimacy and connection, a sentiment echoed throughout the song.
The song’s raw language and direct approach are not just about shock value. They serve as an honest portrayal of adolescent emotions – the confusion, the desire, and the frustration of feeling stuck in a phase of life where everything feels just out of reach. Repetitive questioning emphasizes the constant, nagging nature of these desires.
The lyrics, “Day after day, I get angry and I will say that the day is in my sight when I’ll take a bow and say goodnight,” suggest a growing awareness and a hint of resignation. This line signals a realization that these intense emotions are part of a phase that will eventually pass, yet there’s a lingering impatience to move beyond it.
The reference to the mother in the song adds another layer. “Oh, ma-mama, mama-mo-ma-mum, have you kept your eye, your eye on your son?” speaks to the generational disconnect and the feeling of being misunderstood or overlooked by those who should understand us the most.
The lines, “I’ve given you a decision to make, Things to lose, things to take,” imply a turning point where the narrator is no longer just a passive recipient of life’s frustrations but is ready to take control. It’s a moment of empowerment and recognition of the need to make choices, even hard ones.
The chorus, “Add it up, add it up,” serves as a call to reflect on all these emotions and experiences, to make sense of the chaos of growing up. It’s an invitation to look at the sum of all these parts and understand the bigger picture of one’s emotional landscape.
The Story Behind “Add It Up”
“Add It Up” was born out of the unique blend of punk energy and folk sensibilities that defined Violent Femmes. This song, like many others from their repertoire, stemmed from the personal experiences and emotional landscape of the songwriter during their youth.
The writer’s state of mind at the time was one of transition, grappling with the complexities of moving from adolescence into adulthood. The feelings of frustration, desire, and confusion that saturate the song are reflections of this stormy period. The rawness in the lyrics comes from a place of authenticity; they are not just words but lived experiences and emotions.
This song is not just a product of its time but a timeless piece that resonates with generations. It captures the essence of what it feels like to be young, restless, and eager for life’s experiences yet feeling confined by the realities of one’s circumstances.
The simplicity of the music, coupled with the directness of the lyrics, creates a powerful message that speaks to the heart of the listener. It’s a reminder that the struggles of youth, though intense and often overwhelming, are universal and a vital part of the human experience.