Too Much To Ask (from Generator) | Discography | The Bad Religion Page - Since 1995
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Too Much To Ask
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Details
Written by: Greg Graffin
Released in: 1992
BPM: 163
Lyrics
Got your own interpretation of these lyrics? Scroll down and share it!

A refreshing plunge, a drink of palatable water,
A deep inspiration on a warm summer day.
A safe stroll in a middle of the road community,
A neighbor who in times of need will not turn away.

I ain't no politician, I am a citizen
And I wonder if I'm thinking too far out of bounds.

Community protection, rehabilitation,
Police that serve without legitimate right to maim.
Global awareness, ecological guilt,
Cultural and environmental awakening.
I ain't no optimist, I try to be a realist
And I think that we're living too far out of bounds.

Is it too much to ask?
Could it be the earth is shrinking?
I can see the walls closing in,
No one can take much for granted anymore.

Remote control, three cars for every family,
Corruption at the expense of the simple majority.
A violent clash, a plunder of the third world,
Any wretched ploy that bolsters our economy.
I ain't no blind supporter, I'm a conscious citizen
And I know that we're living too far out of bounds.

I ain't no politician, I ain't no blind supporter, I ain't no vegetable
I am a citizen and I wonder if I'm living too far out of bounds

Is it too much to ask?
Can we keep the earth from sinking?
I can see the walls closing in
No one can take much for granted anymore
(You better not take it for granted anymore)
I'm not taking nothing for granted anymore

Versions
Version Length Release Catalog ID Country Format Year
Album version
2:45 Generator Europe 12" 2022
2:45 Generator Europe 12" 2022
2:45 Generator Europe 12" 2022
2:45 Generator United States 12" 2022
2:45 Generator Australia 12" 2022
2:45 Generator Germany 12" 2022
2:45 Generator United States 12" 2022
2:45 Generator United States 12" 2022
2:45 Generator United States 12" 2022
2:45 Generator United States 12" 2017
2:45 Generator E-86416-1 | 86416-1LIM United States 12" 2014
2:45 Generator E-86416-1 | 86416-1GRA United States 12" 2014
2:45 Generator United States 12" 2011
2:45 Generator E 86416-1 United States 12" 2010
2:45 Generator Russia CD 2007
2:45 Generator Australia CD 2004
2:45 Generator Brazil CD 2001
2:45 Generator Brazil CD 1999
2:45 Generator Brazil CD 1999
2:45 Generator ESCA-6111 Japan CD 1995
2:45 Generator E-86416-4 United States MC 1992
2:45 Generator United States 12" 1992
2:45 Generator United States 12" 1992
2:45 Generator E-86416-2 United States CD 1992
2:45 Generator E-6416-2 Europe CD 1992
2:45 Generator Canada CD 1992
2:45 Generator TJK 207 Thailand MC 1992
2:45 Generator Malaysia MC 1992
2:45 Generator Russia MC 1992
Remastered
2:45 Generator United States CD 2004
2:45 Generator Europe CD 2004
2:45 Generator United States CD 2004
2:45 Generator Russia CD 2004
Not specified
2:44 Generator 1738 Poland MC 1992
Info from 'The Answer'
No information found
Add a song interpretation
Interpretations can be personal and do not have to be consistent with the song writer's original intention. Please use (good) arguments so others can understand your view on this song. Simply saying you agree with someone else is not considered an interpretation and those posts will therefore be deleted. Any other discussions can be continued in our forum.
Song interpretations (7)
Robo Pilgrim
Generator
Generator
linkage robot
Location: the moon
Status: Offline
Posts: 3963
Quote
10/21/2022 at 17:40
Pac wrote:

So do you guys know the source for this part of the lyrics:

I ain't no vegetable

I don't see it in the CD booklet and it doesn't sound right when I hear the song (also it's not Graffin's style).

I've seen elsewhere that he sings I ain't no mouth to feed which sounds more like it in a couple of ways.

Cheers,
-Phil


Jay said it in one of the ask Jay threads
Pac
Lost Pilgrim
Lost Pilgrim

Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Posts: 25
Quote
10/19/2022 at 12:07
So do you guys know the source for this part of the lyrics:

I ain't no vegetable

I don't see it in the CD booklet and it doesn't sound right when I hear the song (also it's not Graffin's style).

I've seen elsewhere that he sings I ain't no mouth to feed which sounds more like it in a couple of ways.

Cheers,
-Phil
Smokey
Guest
Guest

Location: Global Citizen
Quote
11/13/2004 at 11:57
The message of this song has never been more apparent in the present day United States. I believe this song is talking about a very negative way of life that is thriving in the U.S.; "Three cars for every family," perfectly states the wasteful attitude of many Americans. And 1 out of the 3 (or more) vehicles is the pinnacle of American wastefulness, in the form of an SUV. "I ain't no blind supporter, I'm a conscious citizen, and I know that we're living too far out of bounds," shows an attitude that few exude, mainly because many people are not comfortable questioning authority. The overall message is just asking mankind to make well thought out and informed decisions in order to sustain life on earth.
Patrick
Guest
Guest

Location: Global Citizen
Quote
10/08/2004 at 02:29
I think this song is not only about overpopulation and pollution, but about stepping up and doing something. Its about opening our eyes to the mess we've made and the realization that we need to change.
Tinusch
Guest
Guest

Location: Global Citizen
Quote
07/11/2004 at 16:51
This song has to be about overpopulation: "Living too far out of bounds...","Could it be the earth is shrinking? I can see the wall closing in...", "No one can take much for granted anymore...", "Remote control, three cars for every family..."
Triple J
Guest
Guest

Location: Global Citizen
Quote
07/11/2004 at 16:51
This song is about the destruction of mankind, And a hope that maybe we all can open our eyes and save the world from destruction ("is it too much to ask? Can we keep the earth from sinking?") and about how we need to save what we have i.e. natural resources ("no one can take much for granted any more").
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