For thirty odd years, I was a newspaperman
Made my living with a pen and a pad
God, I miss the smell of paper and the ink on my hands
Been back from the desert for a year or so
I left more in that sand than you’ll ever know
Another war was waiting for me when I got back home
In the name of the flag, some gave their lives
I’m still living, yeah, Semper Fi
Well, that’s my story, what else can I say? Hey, hey
I got a lot to give, say, can you see?
I’m still breathing and my heart still beats
They took the car, but they left the lease
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Boarded up the house, they left the keys
Foreclosed on my city, rolled up these streets
But I ain’t checking out, I still got my dreams
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Hey, hey
Hey, hey
They called us “Dirty Harry,” we’re a punk rock band
Why they sold old CBGBs, I don’t understand
All that’s left now are the t-shirts and they come from Japan
I sold my drums to make ends meet
The band broke up, we had to eat
It’s the same old shit, it just happens more these days, hey, hey
I got a lot to give, say, can you see?
I’m still breathing and my heart still beats
They took the car, but they left the lease
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Boarded up the house, they left the keys
Foreclosed on my city, rolled up these streets
But I ain’t checking out, I still got my dreams
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Hey, hey
Hey, hey (Hey)
I’m a teacher, I’m a farmer, I’m a union man
It’s getting hard to make a living in this hard land
We ain’t working in our factories, all those jobs went overseas
Hey, hey
Does anybody want, does anybody want
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
I got a lot to give, say, can you see?
I’m still breathing and my heart still beats
They took the car, but they left the lease
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Does anybody want to buy or rent?
Take the chance or place a bet?
I ain’t checking out, I still got my dreams
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Hey, hey
Hey, hey
Does anybody want, does anybody want
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
Hey, hey
Hey, hey
Does anybody want, does anybody want
Does anybody want what’s left of me?
The Resilience Behind “What’s Left Of Me”
Bon Jovi’s “What’s Left Of Me” is a heartfelt narrative exploring resilience in the face of personal and societal hardships. The lyrics chronicle the struggles of people from all walks of life—a newspaperman, a veteran, a musician—each facing loss, change, and the erosion of once-familiar worlds. Despite these challenges, the recurring question, “Does anybody want what’s left of me?” becomes a rallying cry, emphasizing perseverance and hope even when life seems stripped down to its bare essentials. Through vivid storytelling and nostalgic references, the song paints a picture of enduring spirit and the universal need to find purpose and belonging, no matter what life takes away.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Falcon, John Shanks
- Release Year: 2024
- Label: Island Records