Song Review: Add It Up Song by Violent Femmes
Add It Up by Violent Femmes is a classic song that was released in 1983 as part of the band’s self-titled debut album. The song is known for its raw and energetic sound, with lyrics that reflect the angst and frustration of youth.
The song opens with a simple acoustic guitar riff, which is soon joined by a propulsive drumbeat and the distinctive voice of lead singer Gordon Gano. The lyrics are a mixture of spoken word and sung phrases, with Gano delivering lines like “Why can’t I get just one kiss?” and “Why can’t I get just one screw?” in a pleading, almost desperate tone.
The chorus of Add It Up is a singalong anthem, with Gano shouting, “Why can’t I get just one fuck? / Why can’t I get just one?” while the band plays with frenzied energy. The song’s central message seems to be one of frustration and disillusionment, with Gano lamenting the difficulty of finding love and sex in a world that seems stacked against him.
Add It Up is a powerful and memorable song that captures the raw energy and emotion of youth. Its combination of catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and provocative lyrics has made it a classic of the alternative rock genre, and it remains a favorite of fans of Violent Femmes and 80s music in general.
Add It Up Lyrics
Day after day
I will walk and I will play
But the day after today
I will stop and I will start
Why can’t I get just one kiss?
Why can’t I get just one kiss?
There may be some things that I wouldn’t miss
But I look at your pants and I need a kiss
Why can’t I get just one screw?
Why can’t I get just one screw?
Believe me, I know what to do
But something won’t let me make love to you
Why can’t I get just one fuck?
Why can’t I get just one fuck?
I guess it’s got something to do with luck
But I waited my whole life for just one
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
Oh, ma-mama, mama-mo-ma-mum
Have you kept your eye, your eye on your son?
I know you’ve had problems, you’re not the only one
When your sugar left, he left you on the run
Oh, ma-mama, mama-mo-ma-mum
Take a look now at what your boy has done
He’s walking around like he’s number one
He went downtown and he got him a gun
So don’t shoot, shoot, shoot that thing at me
Don’t shoot, shoot, shoot that thing at me
You know you’ve got my sympathy
But don’t shoot, shoot, shoot that thing at me
So don’t shoot, shoot, shoot that thing at me
Don’t shoot, shoot, shoot that thing at me
You know you’ve got my sympathy
But don’t shoot, shoot, shoot that thing at me
Walking down the kitchen at the top of the stairs
Can I mix in with your affairs?
Share a smoke, make a joke
Grasp and reach for a leg of hope
Words to memorize, words hypnotize
Words make my mouth exercise
Words all failed the magic prize
Nothing I can say when I’m in your thighs
Come on, ma-mama, mo-ma, mo-ma mother
I would love to love you, lover
City is restless, it’s ready to pounce
Here in your bedroom, ounce-for-ounce
Oh, ma-mama, mo-ma, mo-ma mother
I would love to love you, lover
City is restless, it’s ready to pounce
Here in your bedroom, ounce-for-ounce
I’ve given you a decision to make
Things to lose, things to take
Just as she’s about ready to cut it up
She says, “Wait a minute, honey, I’m gonna add it up”
Add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up (day after day)
Add it up, add it up (I get angry)
Add it up, add it up (and I will say)
Add it up, add it up
Also Watch: Absolute Territory Lyrics
Add it up, add it up (that the day s in my sigh)
Add it up, add it up (when I’ll take a bow)
Add it up, add it up (and say goodnight)
Add it up, add it up
Watch Add It Up Song by Violent Femmes