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

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.

Michael Schenker

Michael SchenkerSongwriter Interviews

The Scorpions and UFO guitarist is also a very prolific songwriter - he explains how he writes with his various groups, and why he was so keen to get out of Germany and into England.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."