The Dead Pets have released two albums on their own label Village Idiot records; 'Too Little Too Late' (2001) and 'Revenge of The Village Idiots' (2003). Both albums have been re-issued.
Be Straight With The Kids
The Dead Pets Lyrics
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Problem child screaming 'Someone help me',
Be straight with the kids and they'll be straight with you,
Understand the kids and they'll understand you,
Respect the kids and they'll respect you,
And then you won't regret what you didn't do,
No you won't regret what you didn't do,
Mum and Dad I'm talking to you,
I said you won't regret what you didn't do,
And this what I'm telling you
The Dead Pets' song "Be Straight With the Kids" depicts the struggles of a child dealing with anxiety and a split personality while trying to come to terms with their reality. The opening line, "Split personality, lots of anxiety, trying to cope with my reality," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The chorus, "Be straight with the kids and they'll be straight with you, Understand the kids and they'll understand you, Respect the kids and they'll respect you, And then you won't regret what you didn't do," emphasizes the importance of honest communication, understanding, and respect between parents and their children. The lyrics address the parents directly, urging them to take responsibility and be honest with their children in order to establish a strong, trusting relationship with them.
The song touches on themes of mental health and emotional wellbeing, particularly in children. The lyrics suggest that a lack of communication and understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety in children. The message is clear - parents should prioritize building strong relationships with their children through open and honest communication.
Line by Line Meaning
Split personality, lots of anxiety, trying to cope with my reality,
I have a split personality and suffer from a lot of anxiety. I try to manage my reality as best as I can.
Problem child screaming 'Someone help me',
As a problem child, I feel like screaming for someone to help me.
Be straight with the kids and they'll be straight with you,
If you are honest and straightforward with children, they will respond in kind.
Understand the kids and they'll understand you,
If you make an effort to understand children, they will make an effort to understand you.
Respect the kids and they'll respect you,
If you treat children with respect, they will treat you with respect as well.
And then you won't regret what you didn't do,
If you follow this advice, you won't regret missed opportunities or actions.
No you won't regret what you didn't do,
Again, by following this advice, you will avoid any regrets.
Mum and Dad I'm talking to you,
This message is specifically addressed to parents.
I said you won't regret what you didn't do,
Reiterating the central message.
And this what I'm telling you
The artist is explaining that this is the advice they want to convey.
Contributed by Henry Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.