Theatre Is the Life of You
Minutemen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could feel my bones, I could see with my eyes.
Can't avoid it, can't agree.
As the revolution cries "The time is near!",
Senses loose in knots... my logic is my style.
Can't avoid it, must make a stand.
The Minutemen's "Theatre Is the Life of You" speaks to the role of the artist in a time of revolution. The first verse speaks of the revolution calling out, signaling a time of change and upheaval. The singer acknowledges feeling the call deep in their bones, seeing the truth of the situation with their eyes. However, they also feel conflicted, unable to fully align themselves with either side. They can't avoid the call to action, but they also can't agree with all that is being said or done.
In the second verse, the singer speaks of their senses being "loose in knots," indicating a sense of confusion or disorientation. However, they also connect this to their artistic style, suggesting that their way of thinking and processing the world is unique to them. They cannot separate their logic from their artistic expression. Again, they acknowledge the need to make a stand, to take action in some way.
Overall, the song speaks of the responsibility of the artist in a time of social and political change. The singer recognizes the need to engage in the world around them, but also struggles with finding a clear path forward.
Line by Line Meaning
As the revolution cries "The time is near!",
With the approaching revolution, the need for change is eminent
I could feel my bones, I could see with my eyes.
I am acutely aware and can see the looming danger and urgency
Can't avoid it, can't agree.
The situation is unavoidable, but I can't seem to form a clear stance on it
Senses loose in knots... my logic is my style.
Despite being overwhelmed, I rely on my own reasoning and intuition to make sense of it all
Can't avoid it, must make a stand.
Although the situation is difficult, I realize the need to take a decisive action
Contributed by James K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.