Meaning of "Long Before I Die" by Armored Saint

In "Long Before I Die," the lyrics convey a sense of frustration about the difficulties of life and the struggle to make ends meet. The line "You got yours, Baby I got mine" suggests a recognition of the individual nature of personal struggles and the inability to rely on others to solve one's problems. The line "Don't you realize when jumpin' in the water, You're gonna get wet past knee deep" serves as a metaphor for diving into challenging situations without fully understanding the consequences. It warns against naivety and highlights the need for awareness and preparedness in life.

The chorus, "Give in, Give and take, Taken by mistake," implies a sense of resignation and a recognition that sometimes one must compromise or be taken advantage of unwillingly. However, this sentiment is soon contradicted by the lines "Sooner or later deceit's gonna hit, Lay your cards on the table and draw." Here, the song suggests that deception and manipulation are inevitable, but one can still overcome them by being open and assertive in their actions.

The repeated line "From now on, I call the shots, Long before I die," serves as a declaration of personal agency and the desire to take control of one's own life. It embodies a determination to make decisions and assert one's own desires and needs before it is too late. The lyrics emphasize the importance of self-empowerment and not allowing others to dictate one's future.

Overall, "Long Before I Die" by Armored Saint conveys a message of personal strength and the need to assert oneself in the face of adversity and manipulation. It encourages taking control of one's own life and not waiting until it is too late to pursue one's own desires and dreams.