Real World
Hüsker Dü Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And taking up a fight
Well I'm afraid of things like that
I lock my doors at night
I don't rape, and I don't pillage
Other peoples' lives
I don't practice what you preach
And I won't see through your eyes
You want to change the world
By breaking rules and laws
People don't do things like that
In the real world at all
You're not a cop, or a politician
You're a person too
You can sing any song you want
But you're still the same
I can't think of anything
That makes me more upset
People talk all this rhetoric
Forgive but not forget
I don't rape, and I don't pillage
Other peoples' lives
I don't practice what you preach
And I won't see through your eyes
The song "Real World" by Hüsker Dü is a reflection on the paradoxical nature of human behavior - on one hand, people talk about anarchy and revolutionary acts to bring about change, while on the other hand, they are afraid of such acts in their personal lives. The lyrical content acknowledges that the singer is not perfect and does not live up to the ideals that others may espouse. For example, he states that he does not rape or pillage, and he locks his doors at night out of fear. However, he also points out that he cannot judge others for their actions, nor can he see the world through their eyes.
Overall, the song is a contemplation on the complexities of human nature and the dissonance between our ideals and actions. It highlights the fear that many people have of change, but also the importance of individual agency in creating a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
People talk about anarchy
Some individuals discuss anarchy as a means for change
And taking up a fight
They are ready to battle against the current system
Well I'm afraid of things like that
However, I feel scared by such thoughts and actions
I lock my doors at night
To protect myself from those who might harm me
I don't rape, and I don't pillage
I have no intention of committing any violent or harmful acts towards others
Other peoples' lives
I respect the lives and choices of others
I don't practice what you preach
I don't adopt the same beliefs and behaviors as those who advocate for anarchy
And I won't see through your eyes
I don't share the same perspective as those who support anarchy
You want to change the world
You have a desire to make a difference and improve society
By breaking rules and laws
But you are willing to break the established rules and laws to achieve it
People don't do things like that
However, the majority of people don't resort to such methods in reality
In the real world at all
In the actual world that we live in, these radical actions are not very common
You're not a cop, or a politician
You are not a law enforcement officer or a government official
You're a person too
You are an ordinary individual like everyone else
You can sing any song you want
You have the freedom to express yourself through music or any other art form
But you're still the same
However, your actions and beliefs define who you are regardless of your artistic expression
I can't think of anything
Personally, I cannot come up with anything
That makes me more upset
That would upset me more than the idea of anarchy and breaking laws
People talk all this rhetoric
People often engage in lofty, theoretical talks
Forgive but not forget
They preach forgiveness, but they don't forget the past transgressions
I don't rape, and I don't pillage
Once again, I repeat my lack of interest in committing violent acts against others
Other peoples' lives
I reiterate my respect for the dignity and autonomy of others
I don't practice what you preach
To conclude, I refuse to adopt the radical beliefs and values of those who promote anarchy
And I won't see through your eyes
I cannot see the world through the same lens as those who advocate for radical change
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MOULD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind