Prisoner of Society
The Living End Lyrics
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Oh yes we're on our own and there's nothing you can do
So we don't need no one like you, to tell us what to do
We don't refer to the past when showing what we've done
Our generation gap means the war is never won
The past is in your head, the futures in our hands
'Cause I'm a brat
And I know everything
And I talk back
'Cause I'm not listening
To anything you say
And if you count to 3
You'll see it's no emergency
You'll see I'm not the enemy
Just a Prisoner of Society
The Living End's "Prisoner of Society" speaks to the disillusionment and frustration of youth in the face of societal expectations and norms. The starting lyrics "we don't need no one to tell us what to do" express the rebellious streak that seems to define the lead singer's identity. The lyrics reject the older generation's traditions and culture, and deride any attempts to shape them to fit those molds, chanting "we don't refer to the past when showing what we've done." The lyrics suggest that the younger generation has the power to shape their future, that they will not be held back by the failures of the past generations in winning wars or battling social problems.
The song is essentially a tribute to the spirit of nonconformity and resistance to social conditioning. The final three lines of the song make the point clear, as the singer declares that "I'm not the enemy, Just a Prisoner of Society." The lyrics express the sentiment that their behavior or attitude is not a threat to society, but a reflection of the stifling environment and rigid structures that often suppress individuality and creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
Well we don't need no one to tell us what to do
We are self-sufficient and do not require any guidance.
Oh yes we're on our own and there's nothing you can do
We are independent, and there is no way you can control us.
So we don't need no one like you, to tell us what to do
We do not need someone like you, who believes they know what is best for us.
We don't refer to the past when showing what we've done
We do not dwell on our past achievements.
Our generation gap means the war is never won
The difference in attitudes between generations means that we will always be in conflict.
The past is in your head, the futures in our hands
You are stuck in the past, and it is up to us to shape the future.
'Cause I'm a brat
I can be stubborn sometimes.
And I know everything
I am confident in my knowledge and abilities.
And I talk back
I am not afraid to question authority.
'Cause I'm not listening
I refuse to accept your perspective.
To anything you say
I do not find your opinion relevant or valuable.
And if you count to 3
Even if you try to impose a consequence on me,
You'll see it's no emergency
It is not urgent or important for me to comply with your wishes.
You'll see I'm not the enemy
I am not against you or trying to cause harm.
Just a Prisoner of Society
I feel trapped in a society which does not respect my individuality.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS CHENEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NamelessGrunge
The Living End, Silverchair, Powderfinger, Grinspoon... 90s australian rock is amazing!
@aedanbloodyrodger
A bit of Spiderbait as well was fun
@xxharleyxx2840
Hell yeah we have the best music ๐ถ
@matthews148
Super jesus. Frenzil
@xxharleyxx2840
@@matthews148 i love frenzil
@davetate1155
gotta wonder, wtf happened?
@michelegoudie1773
56yrs old and still listening to this. Love it!
@mchnhed
Sorry......76 and still singing it at karaoke.
@carolinegodden4364
62 and enjoying in Melbourne. Did Chris grow up in Wheelers Hill? I saw an interview with Jimmy Barnes and Chris. I think he mentioned WH.
Anyone know?
@damienhuxtable1974
Good on ya