Romain
Man Lyrics
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Tin badges and twisted laws
You can stand on the road to compassion
And never see where it goes
But even you are a human being
Where did we go wrong with you ?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
Well we're talking about the day
When you took me away
Romain, Romain
I'm not ashamed, you frighten me
You made me think just like you
The eye that you have got from me
I want to take it back from you
But even you are a human being
Where did we go wrong with you ?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
Well I'm talking about the way
That your mind went astray
Romain, Romain
Well I'll tell you what you did to me man
And I'm not talking about the punches thrown
You got me thinking about what's happening here
Where we are and where we're all going
But even you are a human being
Where did we go wrong with you?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
I was lying on the ground
And the crowd stood around
Romain, Romain
The song "Romain" by Man addresses the issue of police brutality and the fear that it induces in people. The opening lines "You can hide behind your nightsticks, tin badges, and twisted laws" are directed at the police force who have the power to use force and violence as a means of enforcing the law. The lyrics suggest that this force is often used inappropriately or excessively, and that the police can get away with their actions due to the authority they exercise, even if it is twisted. The song suggests that there is no empathy, compassion or understanding in the police force, as they stand on the road to compassion but never take it, and the singer questions where they went wrong.
The chorus of the song repeats the name "Romain", who is presumably one of the policemen involved in an incident that the singer is referring to. The song goes on to describe how Romain has influenced the singer's thoughts and feelings about the world. The lyrics suggest that Romain's ideas and opinions are at odds with the singer's, leading to fear and anger. Despite this, the song acknowledges that Romain is also a human being, and possibly hints at the idea that understanding and empathy on both sides could lead to a better outcome.
Overall, "Romain" is a powerful song that speaks to the ongoing issue of police brutality and the impact it has on individuals and communities. It highlights the fear and distrust that can arise from such incidents and makes a plea for empathy and understanding on all sides.
Line by Line Meaning
You can hide behind your nightsticks
You have the option to use your authority to conceal yourself behind the power of the law.
Tin badges and twisted laws
Your symbols of authority have been twisted and corrupted, and now they stand for more than just the law.
You can stand on the road to compassion
You can claim to embody the virtues of empathy and understanding.
And never see where it goes
But you are blind to your own hypocrisy and the injustice you perpetrate.
But even you are a human being
You may be an authority figure, but you are still a person with flaws and weaknesses.
Where did we go wrong with you ?
How did society fail to impart the values of justice and equality that should guide your actions?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
You have the same bodily senses and experiences as anyone else.
Well we're talking about the day
Let's discuss the moment when your actions had a profound impact on me and others around us.
When you took me away
When you arrested me, detained me, or otherwise restricted my freedom.
I'm not ashamed, you frighten me
I do not feel guilty, but I do feel fear in the face of your power and authority.
You made me think just like you
Your coercive tactics forced me to adopt your perspective and worldview.
The eye that you have got from me
The insight that you gained from me during our interaction.
I want to take it back from you
I regret sharing that piece of myself with you and wish I could undo it.
Well I'm talking about the way
Let's examine the process by which your beliefs and actions diverged from what is just and right.
That your mind went astray
Your thoughts and motives became corrupted, leading you down a path of injustice and abuse of power.
Well I'll tell you what you did to me man
I want to confront you about the harm you caused me personally.
And I'm not talking about the punches thrown
I am not referring to physical violence, but rather the emotional and psychological damage you inflicted.
You got me thinking about what's happening here
Your actions forced me to question the state of society and the fairness of the system we live in.
Where we are and where we're all going
What is the ultimate destination for our society, and how can we move towards a more just and equal future?
I was lying on the ground
I was helpless and vulnerable in the face of your power and aggression.
And the crowd stood around
Others watched as you exerted your authority over me, and failed to intervene.
Romain, Romain
Repeating your name in frustration and anger at the harm you caused and the injustice you embody.
Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.