Yeah…
Wanna give it up
Gotta give it up
Can’t give it up
Oh, mama, ohm oh
The money’s run out
And I’m a hungry man
Oh, mama, ooh
You see
I—I’m a-hurtin’ man
I was just a boy
When they told me
“God love ya”
“You’re insane”
Here I am
Pistol in my hand
Judge and jury
One the same
I got trouble with the sweet stuff, oh yeah
I got trouble with the sweet stuff, oh yeah
And I’m never ever gonna shake it
Shake it
Trouble with the sweet stuff
Trouble with the sweet stuff
Ooh, bang bang
They shot me down
Caught me
Robbing the bank again
Say I’m crazy
I’m a desperate man
Nah right (c’mon)
Daddy in the junk shop
Alley babe
Tryin’ to smoke that stuff
I said
I can’t believe it (Ooh give it up)
Trouble with the sweet stuff, oh yeah
I got trouble with the sweet stuff
And I’m never
Ever gonna shake it
Shake it
Don’t wanna give it up
Don’t wanna give it up
Yeah
Shake it
Gotta give it up
Don’t wanna give it up
Don’t wanna give it up
Trouble with the sweet stuff, oh yeah
Mommy’s in the graveyard
Pushed her oh so long
Baby ain’t cryin’
Cradle’s cold, long gone
And me, mama, mama
Yes, when the situation
Breaks down
You’ve got trouble, trouble
Bang bang
They shot me down
Caught me robbin’ d’ bank again
(Are you crazy)
Baby, oh yeah
I’m a desperate man
Daddy in the junk shop
Alley babe
Tryin’ to smoke that stuff
And me
Never gonna shake it
Baby yeah
(Ooh give it up)
Trouble with the sweet stuff, oh yeah
I got trouble with the sweet stuff, oh yeah
Trouble with the sweet stuff, baby
And I’m never, never, never, never, ever
Gonna shake it
I want
(Don’t wanna give it up)
Trouble with the sweet stuff, yeah
Believe me, babe
Shake it
Can’t give it up
Come on and shake it
Yeah
Daddy’s in the junk shop alley babe
Tryin’ to smoke that stuff, oh yeah
Yeah, gonna shake it
Can’t give it up
Can’t give it up
Do you feel pain
The same way I feel pain, babe
(Give it up)
Breathe the same air
I gotta give it up
Wanna give it up
Can’t give it up
Gotta give it up
Give it up
Give it up
Struggling with Temptation and Despair
“Trouble With The Sweet Stuff” by Billy Idol explores the dark side of human desire and addiction. Through gritty imagery and confessional lines, Idol crafts the story of someone trapped by their own cravings—be it for substances, money, or escape. The repeated phrase “trouble with the sweet stuff” serves as a metaphor for the allure of self-destructive habits that are hard to break, despite knowing their consequences. The song’s raw honesty is amplified by references to crime, familial loss, and cycles of pain, painting a vivid picture of desperation and inner conflict.
A Portrait of Pain and Persistence
Idol’s lyrics weave together scenes of hardship—hunger, crime, and broken family ties—highlighting the relentless grip of addiction. The struggle between wanting to give up and being unable to let go is palpable in every chorus. Ultimately, the track is a candid reflection on the complexities of human weakness, resilience, and the longing for release from inner turmoil.
Song Credits
Artist: Billy Idol
Songwriters: Billy Idol, Steve Stevens
Release Year: 1990
Label: Chrysalis Records