Don't Sell Me Short

Bad Religion · New America [2008]

we don't need any more mountains

Because the trail builders

failed to give us passage there

so we can't reach the sky

We don't need any more failure

There is human tragedy

that's written everywhere

And we are all too young to die

Like a mystery that's here to stay

Some people never go away

cuz they've got something to say

Don't sell me short!

You've been wrong too long

Don't brush me off

just because I don't belong

Like it or not I'm all you've got,

Dispose when I'm shot

Just don't sell me short,

I might not be who you thought

We don't need any more fables

because the writers have passed

and left us lessonless

And we must find our own way

We don't need any more privilege

There is vivid desperation

that is powerless

That no surplus can repay

Like the fix of rapture in a trance

Oh, fates are sealed by circumstance

So you've got to take a chance

Don't sell me short!

You've been wrong too long

Don't brush me off

Just because I don't belong

Pass me on by, ignore my cry,

forget me when I die

Just don't sell me short,

Not while I'm still alive

Everybody's talking about heaven on earth,

I'm still trying to figure out

just what I'm worth

I'm full of emotion

and stuff you can't contain

And you just want to

flush me down the drain

But you can't make me go away

About Don't Sell Me Short

"Don't Sell Me Short" serves as a defining track on Bad Religion's 2008 album *New America*, continuing the band's signature blend of punk energy and socially conscious lyricism. Released during a period where the group expanded its thematic scope to address contemporary political issues, the song reflects the band's commitment to challenging authority and advocating for social justice. The recording maintains the band's characteristic driving rhythm and melodic hooks, characteristic of their work in the post-punk revival era. As part of their broader discography, this track exemplifies how Bad Religion has evolved while retaining its core identity as a voice for progressive ideals. The song stands as a testament to the group's ability to translate complex societal concerns into accessible, impactful music that resonates with listeners seeking both entertainment and meaningful commentary.