Rude World
Page & Plant Lyrics
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Taking a stand against the world
Ruled by man
With your fist in the air
Metaphorically you take on the world
Girl you're like Muhammed Ali
I'm sorry about that
People they're moving around
They're driftin' and driftin'
Around this town
Forgetting their friends
Forgetting their names
Overlook me now, but you can't skip James
I'm sorry 'bout that
I don't mean this to be a shock
I'm telling you honey
'Cause you know it rocks
A smiling sniper taking aim
It gives him pleasure
To give Pain
In a rude world
It's a rude world
I'm sorry about that
Rude world babe
The lyrics to "Rude World" by Page & Plant are a commentary on the state of the world and the people living in it. The song starts off by addressing someone who has taken a stand against the world that is ruled by man. The lyrics suggest that the person is proud of themselves for standing up to this oppressive system, but also implies that they may be naïve to think they can make a significant change.
The metaphor comparing the person to Muhammad Ali further emphasizes their fighting spirit and determination to challenge the status quo. However, the song then shifts focus to the people who are drifting around town, forgetting their friends and names, and overlooking someone named James. These lines suggest that people are becoming disconnected from each other, losing touch with their social connections and relationships.
The song then takes a darker turn with the line "a smiling sniper taking aim, it gives him pleasure to give pain," which suggests that there are individuals who derive pleasure from causing harm to others. The chorus, "It's a rude world, I'm sorry about that," reinforces the overall theme of the song: that the world can be a harsh, unfriendly place. The song highlights the difficulties of navigating this rude world and the challenges of maintaining meaningful connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
You must be proud of yourself
You seem proud of yourself
Taking a stand against the world
Challenging the world
Ruled by man
Controlled by men
With your fist in the air
Showing defiance
Metaphorically you take on the world
Figuratively challenging the world
Girl you're like Muhammed Ali
You're bold like Muhammad Ali
I'm sorry about that
I apologize
People they're moving around
People are on the move
They're driftin' and driftin' around this town
Wandering aimlessly in town
Forgetting their friends, forgetting their names
Forgetting people they know
Overlook me now, but you can't skip James
You may not notice me now, but James is important
I'm sorry 'bout that
I apologize
I don't mean this to be a shock
I don't want to surprise you
I'm telling you honey, 'cause you know it rocks
I'm sharing this with you because it's cool
A smiling sniper taking aim
A killer with a happy face targeting someone
It gives him pleasure to give Pain
He enjoys hurting others
In a rude world
In an impolite world
It's a rude world
The world is unkind
I'm sorry about that
I apologize
Rude world babe
The world is harsh, my dear
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: RAINER J PTACEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind