If you’re a fan of alternative rock, you’ve probably heard of the Violent Femmes. This American band formed in 1980 and quickly gained a following with their unique sound and quirky lyrics. One of their most popular songs is ‘Add It Up’, which was released in 1983 on their self-titled debut album. Let’s take a closer look at the lyrics and the meaning behind them.

Verse 1

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?
Believe me, there’s something I wouldn’t miss, but I look at your pants and I need a kiss

The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer lamenting his lack of romantic success. He wonders why he can’t get just one kiss from the object of his affection, but then admits that he’s distracted by her appearance. The line “I look at your pants and I need a kiss” is a bit of a double entendre, as it could refer to either the woman’s physical appearance or her personality.

Chorus

Add it up, add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up, add it up
You can’t fool me, I know exactly what you’re doing
You can’t fool me, I know exactly what you’re doing

The chorus is a bit more cryptic, with the singer telling the object of his affection that he knows what she’s up to. It’s unclear exactly what he means by this, but it could be interpreted as a warning that he’s not easily fooled.

Verse 2

There is only one thing that I like and that is whining, whining
All the time, all the time
No one likes a whiner, but I really like to whine
About the times when you and me were fine

The second verse takes a bit of a turn, with the singer admitting that he enjoys complaining. He acknowledges that this isn’t a particularly attractive quality, but he can’t help himself. He also reminisces about a time when things were good between him and the woman he’s singing to.

Chorus

Add it up, add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up, add it up
You can’t fool me, I know exactly what you’re doing
You can’t fool me, I know exactly what you’re doing

Verse 3

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

The third verse is perhaps the most explicit, with the singer wondering why he can’t have sex with the woman he’s singing to. He claims to know what to do, but something is holding him back. This could be interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations around sex and relationships.

Chorus

Add it up, add it up, add it up
Add it up, add it up, add it up
You can’t fool me, I know exactly what you’re doing
You can’t fool me, I know exactly what you’re doing

Overall, ‘Add It Up’ is a classic song that showcases the Violent Femmes’ unique style and quirky lyrics. While the meaning behind the words may be open to interpretation, there’s no denying the catchy melody and memorable chorus. If you haven’t heard it before, give it a listen and see what you think!