Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing
Minutemen Lyrics
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iron fisted philosophy
is your life worth a painting
is this girl versus boy with different symbols
being born is power
scout leader/nazi tagged as big sin
"your risk chains me hostage me
me i'm fighting with my head
am not ambiguous"
i must have looked like a dork
me naked with text book poems
spout fountain against the nazis
with a weird kind of sex symbol
in speeches that are big dance thumps
if we heard mortar shells
we'd cuss more in our songs
and cut down on the guitar solos
so dig this big crux:
organize the boy scouts for murder is wrong
ten years behind the big sweat point
man, it was still there
ever without you
coming back around
look
the coming together for just a second
a peek
a guess
at the wholeness that's way too big
at the wholeness that's way too big!
The Minutemen's song "Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing" is a political commentary on various issues that were prevalent in the United States of America in the 1980s. The lyrics appear to address several different issues, including feminism, Cold War politics, and the social and political implications of art.
The first few lines, "list monitors arrive without petition/iron fisted philosophy/is your life worth a painting," suggest that the government is monitoring or censoring artistic expression, and that the political climate is characterized by restrictive thinking. This is further underscored by the antithesis of "girl versus boy with different symbols," which highlights the societal forces that separate individuals into binary categories. The lines "being born is power/scout leader/nazi tagged as big sin" juxtapose the privilege of birth with the corruption of those assumed to be trustworthy.
The singer then addresses his own role in the politics of the time, stating, ""your risk chains me hostage me/me I'm fighting with my head/am not ambiguous." He seems to assert his own stance on an issue, even if he is not sure how to express it. The lines "me naked with text book poems/spout fountain against the nazis/with a weird kind of sex symbol" suggest that the singer is using his art to challenge existing power structures, and that political statements can be made in unexpected ways.
In the final lines, the singer reflects on the futility of trying to address all of the problems in society, acknowledging "the wholeness that's way too big" to fully comprehend or combat. Overall, "Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing" offers a critique of power, control, and the ways in which individuals can resist or subvert these systems.
Line by Line Meaning
list monitors arrive with(out) petition
People are closely monitoring and judging others' actions without actually taking any steps towards change.
iron fisted philosophy
An uncompromising and oppressive belief system is being followed.
is your life worth a painting
Is art worth risking your life for?
is this girl versus boy with different symbols
Is there really a dichotomy between genders with inherently different roles?
being born is power
The mere act of being born gives individuals the power to shape their own lives.
scout leader/nazi tagged as big sin
Comparing a scout leader to a Nazi is seen as a serious offense.
"your risk chains me hostage me
The risks taken by one person have consequences for those around them.
me i'm fighting with my head
I am using my intellect to fight for what I believe in.
am not ambiguous"
I am clear and direct in my actions and words.
i must have looked like a dork
I probably didn't look cool or confident in that situation.
me naked with text book poems
I express myself through vulnerable and educational means.
spout fountain against the nazis
I am using my words to vehemently oppose the actions and beliefs of Nazis.
with a weird kind of sex symbol
Using an unconventional symbol to represent something sexual or powerful.
in speeches that are big dance thumps
Delivering powerful and impactful speeches that inspire people to move and take action.
if we heard mortar shells
If we were experiencing the violence of war, our music and message would reflect that reality more strongly.
we'd cuss more in our songs
We would use more profanity in our music to reflect the severity of the situation.
and cut down on the guitar solos
We would prioritize our message and impact over musical flair if we were amidst a warzone.
so dig this big crux:
Pay attention to this critical point:
organize the boy scouts for murder is wrong
Using organizations like the Boy Scouts for violent purposes is unethical and wrong.
ten years behind the big sweat point
Ten years ago, we were at a crucial turning point for societal progress, but we have not made as much progress as we should have.
man, it was still there
The oppressive systems and beliefs of the past are still prevalent today.
ever without you
Even without your involvement, the fight for progress will continue.
coming back around
The same issues and battles will resurface if they are not resolved properly.
look
Pay attention.
the coming together for just a second
For a brief moment, people may unite towards a common goal.
a peek
A glimpse or brief view.
a guess
An estimate or uncertain assumption.
at the wholeness that's way too big
At the enormity of the work that needs to be done for true progress to be achieved.
at the wholeness that's way too big!
It is overwhelming to think of the sheer scale of societal change that is necessary for true equality and justice to be achieved.
Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Michael Moellman
List monitors arrive with petition
Iron-fisted philosophy...
Is your life worth a painting?
Is this 'girl vs. boy' with different symbols?
Being born is power
Scout leader nazi tagged as 'big sin'
Your risk chains me hostage
Me, I'm fighting with my head, I'm not ambiguous
I must look like a dork
Me, naked with textbook poems
Spout fountain against the Nazis
With weird kinds of sex symbols
In speeches that are big dance thumps
If we heard mortar shells
We'd cuss more in our songs
And cut down on guitar solos
(guitar solo)
So dig this big crux
Organizing the boy scouts for murder is wrong
Ten years beyond the big sweat point
Man, it was still there ever without you
Coming back around, look!
Coming together, for just a second
A peek, a guess
At the wholeness it's way too big
At the wholeness it's way too big
Michael Moellman
List monitors arrive with petition
Iron-fisted philosophy...
Is your life worth a painting?
Is this 'girl vs. boy' with different symbols?
Being born is power
Scout leader nazi tagged as 'big sin'
Your risk chains me hostage
Me, I'm fighting with my head, I'm not ambiguous
I must look like a dork
Me, naked with textbook poems
Spout fountain against the Nazis
With weird kinds of sex symbols
In speeches that are big dance thumps
If we heard mortar shells
We'd cuss more in our songs
And cut down on guitar solos
(guitar solo)
So dig this big crux
Organizing the boy scouts for murder is wrong
Ten years beyond the big sweat point
Man, it was still there ever without you
Coming back around, look!
Coming together, for just a second
A peek, a guess
At the wholeness it's way too big
At the wholeness it's way too big
Benjamin Bennett
One of the greatest albums ever.
Rebecca Lynn
Mad love for Minutemen.
Hog Flambe
Just a great album.
georgeharrison70
D. Boon is such a brilliant guitarist.
Shruggz Da Str8-Faced Clown
...and songwriter in general.
skilstuck pliutsxiv
dig this big crux
S Charlesworth
Still relevant
Austin Lucas
Does this sum up every problem of the entire human race?
"At the wholeness it's way too big."
I feel like exclaiming "Man that felt liberating." But does it?
JAK3
D. Boon...Now, more than ever!