Meaning of "Pushin' Too Hard" by The Seeds
The meaning behind the lyrics of "Pushin' Too Hard" centers around the theme of personal autonomy and resisting interpersonal control. The song portrays a protagonist who is being pushed and dominated by someone else's expectations and demands. The repeated phrase "pushin' too hard" serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming pressure that this person feels. The singer is asserting their desire to be free and live their life in a way that brings them joy and fulfillment.
The lyrics express a strong sense of rebellion and defiance against the restrictive influence of others. The protagonist wants to break free from the constraints imposed on them and enjoy life on their own terms. Their yearning for freedom is reinforced through the lines "All I want is to just be free" and "Live my life the way I wanna be." The lyrics suggest that the person pressuring them is attempting to mold them into someone they are not, and the singer refuses to conform to those expectations.
In the chorus, the singer addresses the person directly and warns them to listen or else the relationship will end. This indicates that the pressure being exerted is not only affecting the protagonist's personal freedom, but it also threatens the stability of their relationship. The line "Stop your runnin' all over town" implies that the person is not only controlling, but also disloyal or unfaithful.
The lyrics also hint at the protagonist's confidence and self-assuredness. They express awareness that there are other potential partners who would stand by them and accept them for who they are. The line "I know there's a lotta fish in the sea" suggests that the singer is not afraid of losing the person pressuring them. They assert that they are willing to explore other options if necessary, reinforcing their refusal to tolerate being pushed too hard.
Overall, "Pushin' Too Hard" conveys a message of asserting personal independence and resisting the pressure to conform to societal or interpersonal expectations. It serves as an anthem of empowerment and taking control over one's own life.