When all is said and done
We're not the only ones
Who look at life this way
That's what the old folks say
But every time I see them
Makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy
Well, I guess I'd have more fun
I guess I'd have more fun

Ooh, Catcher in the Rye again
Ooh, Wont let you get away from him
It's just another day
Like today

You decide
I dont have to
Then they'll find
That I wont ask you
At any time
Or long thereafter
If it's cold outside
I'm imagining
Oh no

Na na na na na
Na na na na na

Ooh, Catcher in the Rye again
Ooh, Wont let you get away from him
It's just another day
Like today

When all is said and done
We're not the only ones
Who look at life this way
That's what the young folks say
As if they'd ever change
As that, who am I to say?
But every time I'd see them
Makes me wish I had a gun
If I thought that I was crazy
Well, I guess I'd have more fun
'Cause what used to be's
Not going to be
And ought to find someone that belongs
Insane, like I do

Na na na na na
(Oh no)
Na na na na na
(Oh no)

Not an ordinary day, not in an ordinary way
All at once this song I heard
Never longer would it play
For anybody or anyone
That needed comfort from somebody
And needed comfort from someone
Who cared to be
Not like you
Not like me
In an ordinary way for me
Somebody set the wheels in motion
Hearts are memories
So you were the instrument
You were the one
Somebody took the body
Gave that boy a gun
Took our innocence
Beyond our stance
Some type of moment
There ya got it
The only thing you did

Oh oh



Lyrics submitted by Dyst

Track duration: 05:53


Catcher In The Rye song meanings
Add your thoughts

13 Comments

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Comment:Mark david chapman killed lennon on dec. 8, 1980 The reasons he gave really don't have any real bareing on the truth be cause He is insane. I think the song is more about how some people are living by a certin set of rules. And if a person is insane he can ignore the rules and be free of the rules because of the insanity
    Flag deadboy66658on June 22, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I always thought it was about the Book Catcher in the Rye, i guess in some ways Axl can relate to the main character.
    It's a shame that on the Chinese Democracy album they deleted Brian Mays wonderful Solo and rather let Brian Finck play some crap, it destroys what would be a great song.
    Flag ShadowAngel85on February 09, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:do you ever stop and think that this song may be in relation to the book the catcher in the rye by JD salinger??? Half of the lyrics are exact matches to the book.
    Flag nungesser94on November 13, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Ok so overall it's about innocence and the death of it and the death of John Lennon? Right now I'm about 20 pages from the end of the book. This basically makes sense though.
    Flag snaredrummeron June 25, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Quote from Axl about this song:
    For me the song is inspired by what's referred to sometimes as Holden Caulfield syndrome. I feel there's a possibility that how the writing is structured with the thinking of the main character could somehow reprogram for lack of a better word some who may be a bit more vulnerable, with a skewed way of thinking and tried to allow myself to go what may be there or somewhat close during the verses. I'd think for most those lines are enjoyed as just venting, blowing off steam, humor or some type of entertainment where it may be how others seriously live in their minds.
    The bridge b4 the solo is an artistic interpretation of a institutionalized mind. The outro is a tribute to Lennon and an indictment of the author for writing what i feel is utter garbage and I agree whole heartedly that it should be discontinued as required reading in schools. That's my take, I could be completely wrong, I do realize that the song and title could have the next poor soul reading the book and feeling inspired to make an unfortunate statement. So there's the catch I guess.
    Flag Buddah Slapon January 11, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:It's about John Lennon and Mark Chapman. Axl got inspiration to write the song after watching a documentary about Lennon's death and Chapman's obsession with the book Catcher in the Rye. The verses are, as Axl says, like from Holden's perspective (Holden being the main character in the book).

    The final verse is talking more directly about Lennon's murder and the impact it had.
    Flag doubletalkinjiveon December 30, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Axl said himself in december of 2008 on Mygnrforum.com that it has several meanings. He didn't write it about one certain thing, he said the end verse is about Lennon's death, but that's it. The rest is about innocense.
    Flag Sprite1on December 26, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:it's gotta have something to do with the lennon murder by chapman.
    chapman said the book 'the catcher in the rye' was some sort of influence or something.
    Flag jb56789on September 24, 2008   Link
  • +3
    General Comment:obviously you guys didnt read J.D. Salinger's book "The Catcher In The Rye"

    yes its true the song does talk about John Lenon. but this song is also a reference to the book itself.

    for example "Took our innocence", in the book. the main character says he wants to be "the catcher in the rye" because he wants to catch children from falling off a cliff. this symbolizes how he wants to catch children from falling out of innocence, when they grow up.

    another example "That needed comfort from somebody
    And needed comfort from someone" throughout the whole book the main character is on his own and is in need to express his feelings to someone however he shields himself with a barrier of cynicism.

    he sees the world as a phony place which brings me to "We're not the only ones
    Who look at life this way"

    unless you guys read the book you guys wont know what im talking about
    Flag filthgrinderon May 14, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i dnt have it, whered u get it from?
    Flag minimacason December 02, 2006   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top
explain