Shoplifter Lyrics
When you commit the crime
Shoplifter, you're getting burned
And now you gotta do the time
Well, not everything is free
Now that you served the community
It's the life of a petty thief
Unless you're getting caught
But it isn't called stealing
Tryin' to take something you haven't got
What lies behind your back
Not a burglar or a bank robber
Just a kleptomaniac
Unless you're getting caught
But Jimmy caught stealing
Tryin' to take something you haven't got
When you commit the crime
Shoplifter, you're gettin' burned
And now you gotta do the time
Oh, now you gotta do the time
Oh, now you gotta do some time
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
I think it's about St. Jimmy (aka the Jesus of Surburbia) having to steal things to survive on the streets.
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
I think this one is self-explanatory. It's a pretty good song.
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
post the correct lyrics:
Shoplifter, you'll never learn When you commit the crime Shoplifter, you're getting burned And now you gotta do the time
It's a 1 2 3 on the felony Well not everything is free Now that you've served the community It's the life of a petty thief
It's not considered stealing Unless you're getting caught But you've been caught stealing Tryin' to take something you haven't got
Shoplifter, you'll never learn What lies behind your back Not a burgler or a bankrobber But a kleptomaniac
It's not considered stealing Unless you're getting caught But you've been caught stealing Tryin' to take something you haven't got
Shoplifter, you'll never learn When you commit the crime Shoplifter, you're getting burned And now you gotta do the time And now you gotta do the time And now you gotta do some time
if anyone has any other correction please correct where needed
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
corrected version up now, sorry about the wrong lyrics before
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
is it me, or is the melody behind
It's not considered stealing Unless you're getting caught But you've been caught stealing Tryin' to take something you haven't got
VERY VERY familiar? I can't put a finger on where I've heard it before....
It sounds like Brat.
It sounds like Brat.
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
I heard that this song had relation to the rest of the "American Idiot" story. It's about how Jesus of Suburbia and Jimmy have to steal things to get by when they are living on the streets.
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
littleermingdude is right about this song, it's about how when Jesus of Suburbia has taken on the identity of rebellious St. Jimmy, he has to steal.
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
orang55, It sounded familiar to me too. I think the line "Tryin to take something you haven't got" has the same melody as "For blood, sex, and booze you give me." However, I don't have my iPod with me right now so I'm not sure. I agree with fruitonpie as to the meaning.
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
little correction:
Shoplifter, you'll never learn What lies behind your back Not a burgler or a bankrobber JUST a kleptomaniac
Nyways...not something big...
![Cover art for Shoplifter lyrics by Green Day](https://images.songmeanings.com/4d7b1ce2-3721-413e-9040-a82d24d69928.webp)
This song sounds like it was originally part of Homecoming on the American Idiot. Apparently, Homecoming was supposed to be 10 minutes long, and it falls just short. It probably went in between The Death of St. Jimmy and East 12th Street, because in E 12th St., Jimmy/Jesus is caught for doing something, and it would definitely complete the story. Anyways...I kinda like this song. It's not great, but it's catchy and the lyrics are funny.