One phone call wiped out a year
Like waves swept under the pier
Long weeks of impending doom
Stuck in life’s waiting room
Always so close to goodbye
Pushed so far over the line
No new light under the moon
Stuck in life’s waiting room
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s almost gone
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s over
Another day in the life
You can’t look me in the eye
There’s nothing left you could say
It wouldn’t help anyway
This poison skin you can’t touch
Go on without me, my love
No kiss to send you away
It wouldn’t help anyway
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s almost gone
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s over
I begged for your forgiveness
I made a deal with God
I took you all for granted
You can write my epilogue
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s almost gone
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got
You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s over
And over, and over, and over
And over, and over, and over
And over, and over, and over
And over, and over, and over
And over, and over, and over
Confronting Loss and Regret
“YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT” by Blink-182 captures the raw emotions that follow unexpected loss and the realization of taking someone for granted. The song’s verses evoke a sense of helplessness, using vivid imagery like “waves swept under the pier” and “life’s waiting room” to express the limbo of grief and longing. The repeated refrain, “You don’t know what you’ve got, till it’s almost gone,” serves as a poignant reminder of how easily we overlook the value of those around us until it’s too late. Through confessions of regret and pleas for forgiveness, Blink-182 delivers a powerful message about appreciating love and connection before they’re lost.
Song Credits
- Artist: Blink-182
- Songwriters: Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, Travis Barker
- Release Year: 2023
- Label: Columbia Records