Dont Drag Me Down
Social Distortion Lyrics

Children are taught to hate, parents just couldn't wait
Children are taught to hate others who are different than them based on the beliefs that their parents hold, even if those beliefs are born out of intolerance or lack of understanding.

Some are rich and some are poor, others will just suffer more
There are economic disparities in society where some are more privileged than others, and those who are less fortunate often suffer more as a result.

Have you ever been ashamed and felt society try to keep you down?
Have you ever felt embarrassed or discriminated against by society for being different and not fitting in with social norms and expectations?

I begin to watch things change and see them turn around
I observe societal change taking place and witness a reversal of negative attitudes and actions towards those who were previously marginalized or oppressed.

Turn around, they'll try to keep you down
Society may attempt to prevent progress or maintain the status quo, obstructing those who are trying to make positive changes for themselves or others.

Don't drag me down
I refuse to be hindered or held back by society's limitations or prejudices, and I will not allow myself to be negatively affected by those who try to bring me down.

Ignorance like a gun in hand, reach out to the promised land
Uneducated or narrow-minded views can be damaging and dangerous, and one should strive to reach their goals despite any obstacles or challenges that come their way.

Your history books are full of lies, media-blitz gonna dry your eyes
Historical accounts can be inaccurate or biased, and the media has the potential to manipulate or mislead people and perpetuate untrue or biased narratives.

Have you ever been afraid, and felt society try to keep you down?
Have you ever experienced fear or intimidation from societal pressure to conform, which can lead to feeling silenced or stifled?

I begin to watch things change see them turn around
I witness societal transformation in which oppressive or unjust practices are being overturned or reevaluated, and positive change is taking place.

You're eighteen want to be a man, your granddaddy's in the Ku Klux Klan
Even as one reaches adulthood and seeks to define themselves, they may still face the influence of family members with harmful or prejudicial beliefs.

Taking two steps forward and four steps back, gonna go to the White House and paint it black
Even with progress being made, there are still setbacks and challenges to overcome, and the fight for equality and justice may require bold or unconventional steps.

Turn around, they'll try to keep you down
Society may attempt to stifle those who are trying to make positive changes, and those who seek to create change must remain vigilant and strong in the face of resistance.

Turn around, Turn around
This line is repeated several times to underscore the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and remaining resilient in the face of adversity.

Don't drag me down
This line is repeated at the end to reinforce the idea that the individual should not allow themselves to be held back or brought down by others, and should persevere in the pursuit of positive change.