Live by the Sword Lyrics – The Rolling Stones

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English 335 October 20, 2023

"Live by the Sword" by The Rolling Stones uses metaphors and contrasting scenarios to convey messages about the consequences of one's actions, the importance of treating others well, and the idea that choices have repercussions. It encourages listeners to think about the way they live their lives and the impact it may have on their future. Let's explain the meaning of each paragraph. ...Read More

Live by the Sword Lyrics

[Verse 1: Mick Jagger]
If you live by the sword, gonna die by the sword
If you live by the gun, you gonna die by the gun
If you live for the knife, well, you’re gonna get stabbed
Run into the law, well, you’re gonna get nabbed
If you live for revenge, gonna feel the backlash
If you live to be cruel, gonna bite you in the ass

[Chorus: Mick Jagger]
I’m gonna treat you right
I’m gonna treat you good

[Verse 2: Mick Jagger]
If you wanna get rich, better sit on the board
If you wanna be poor, better pay the landlord
If you’re deep in the crime, well, you’re deep in the slime
If you’re living a lie, look me straight in the eye
If you’re locked in the jail, well, you better get free
If you’re looking for love, don’t go running to me

[Chorus: Mick Jagger]
I’m gonna treat you right
I’m gonna treat you good

[Bridge: Mick Jagger]
It’s too late to say you’re sorry, sorry, sorry
And soon it will be gone, gone, gone, gone, gone

[Verse 3: Mick Jagger]
If you live like a whore, better be hardcore
If you live by the clock, well, you’re in for a shock
If you’re living for food, better l!ck up your plate
If you wanna be in fashion, well, you’ll be out of date

[Chorus: Mick Jagger]
I’m gonna treat you right
I’m gonna treat you good
I’m gonna treat you right
I’m gonna treat you good

[Outro: Mick Jagger]
Oh, if you live by the sword, oh yeah
Get shot up, you better call 911
And then you better hang out until the ambulance comes
If you live by the sword
Gonna die by the sword, oh yeah
If you die by the sword
If you live by the gun
If you live by the gun
If you live by the gun, gonna die by the gun
Oh yeah
Oh yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah

Submitted by Rollteam

Last Update: October 20, 2023

Live By The Sword Lyrics Meaning

"Live by the Sword" by The Rolling Stones uses metaphors and contrasting scenarios to convey messages about the consequences of one's actions, the importance of treating others well, and the idea that choices have repercussions. It encourages listeners to think about the way they live their lives and the impact it may have on their future. Let's explain the meaning of each paragraph.

[Verse 1]
In this verse, Mick Jagger sings about the consequences of one's actions. He uses metaphors involving weapons and violence to convey that the way you live your life can lead to certain outcomes. "Living by the sword" or "living by the gun" implies that if you resort to violence or rely on aggressive means to solve problems, you are likely to face violence and retaliation in return. The lyrics suggest that actions have repercussions, and if you engage in negative behaviors like seeking revenge or being cruel, it will eventually catch up with you.

[Chorus]
The chorus features a straightforward message. Jagger is expressing his intention to treat someone right and well. It's a contrast to the warnings given in the verses, suggesting that there is a better way to live and interact with others. The chorus offers a glimmer of hope or a promise of kindness and fairness.

[Verse 2]
In the second verse, Mick Jagger continues with contrasting themes. He mentions the pursuit of wealth and the consequences of financial decisions. "Sitting on the board" implies being part of the decision-making in a successful venture, while "paying the landlord" suggests a situation where one is struggling to make ends meet. The verse also touches on criminal activities, dishonesty, and the idea of facing the truth. It warns against getting involved in crime and living a lie.

[Bridge]
The bridge of the song emphasizes the idea that it's too late to seek forgiveness for your actions. The repetition of "sorry" and the statement "soon it will be gone" suggest that the opportunities for redemption or change are running out. This could symbolize the inevitability of facing the consequences of one's choices.

[Verse 3]
The third verse continues with the theme of choices and consequences. It contrasts living a promiscuous or hedonistic lifestyle ("living like a whore") with being resilient and unyielding ("better be hardcore"). The reference to living "by the clock" and getting a shock might signify the mundane nature of a routine life and the need for some excitement. It also mentions that if you're focused on materialistic pursuits ("living for food" or "being in fashion"), you might lose touch with what truly matters.

[Chorus]
The final chorus repeats the message of treating someone right and well, emphasizing the desire for a positive and considerate approach in interactions.

[Outro]
The outro revisits the idea of living by the sword or gun and the consequences of such a life. It mentions calling 911 and waiting for an ambulance, which could be a metaphor for seeking help in desperate situations or trying to mend the harm caused by a violent or reckless lifestyle.

In summary, "Live by the Sword" is a cautionary song that reflects on the consequences of various life choices, especially those involving violence, revenge, and deceit. It encourages the listener to consider the potential outcomes of their actions and to seek more positive and respectful interactions with others.

This is the end of "Live By The Sword Song Lyrics" by The Rolling Stones. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.