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Get a Grip, get a grasp

Posted by TheFallen on October 02, 2003

In Reply to: Get a Grip, get a grasp posted by Lotg on October 02, 2003

: : This is perhaps similar to the last query I posted. Again how did this term come about? I'm guessing that it's actually incomplete was probably originally 'get a grip on reality', only because I've heard it said, not because I actually know.

: ::: Actually, there's another variation (probably several for all I now), such as 'get a grip on yourself'. Just exactly what is that you're supposed to be gripping? And I suppose 'get a grasp of the situation' is yet another variation.

I suspect you're right. "Get a grip on yourself" is a well-known phrase, as is "grasp of reality". The two nouns aren't interchangeable, though.

The following from the delightful days of my misspent youth.

(Get a) Grip (On Yourself) - The Stranglers

Didn't have the money round to buy a Morry Thou.
Been around and seen a lot to shake me anyhow.

Begged and borrowed, sometimes I admit I even stole.
But the worst crime that I ever did was playing rock and roll.

But the money's no good, just get a grip on yourself.
But the money's no good, just get a grip on yourself.

Suffering convictions on a two way stretch inside.
The air in here is pretty thin, I think I'll go outside
Committed for insanity, and crimes against the soul.
The worst crime that I ever did was play some rock and roll.

But the money's no good, just get a grip on yourself.
But the money's no good, just get a grip on yourself.

And you should know...

Now I find from week to week the sentence sticking fast.
Turn the corner, rub my eyes and hope the world will last.
Stranger from another planet, welcome to our hole.
Just strap on your guitar and we'll play some rock and roll.

But the money's no good, just get a grip on yourself.
But the money's no good, just get a grip on yourself.

And you should know...

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