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Penetration
Pedro the Lion Lyrics


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Have you ever seen and idealist
With gray hairs on his head
Or successful men that keep in touch
With unsuccessful friends
You only think you did
I could have sworn I saw it too
But as it turns out
It was just a clever ad for cigarettes

'Cause if it isn't making dollars
Then it isn't making sense
If you aren't moving units
Then you're not worth the expense
If you really want to make it
You had best remember this
If it isn't penetration
The it isn't worth the kiss

We're so sorry sir
But you did not quite make
The cut this time
And we'd appreciate it if you
Cleared you stuff on out by five
Don't take it personal
Everyone knows you did your best
If it makes it easier
You should look at it
From our perspective

'Cause if it isn't making dollars
Then it isn't making sense
If you aren't moving units
Then you're not worth the expense
If you really want to make it
You had best remember this
If it isn't penetration
Then it isn't worth the kiss

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Penetration" by Pedro the Lion explore the harsh reality of the music industry and the capitalistic society of our world. David Bazan, the lead vocalist and songwriter, speaks of a disillusioned character witnessing the hypocrisy of those who claim to be idealists and successful figures. The opening lines, "Have you ever seen an idealist with grey hairs on his head or successful men that keep in touch with unsuccessful friends?" question the superficiality and authenticity of those who promote certain values, yet their actions contradict those beliefs.


The chorus reflects the materialistic demands of the industry where "If it isn't making dollars then it isn't making sense" and "If you aren't moving units then you're not worth the expense." The relentless pursuit of success is emphasized as the only way to make a mark in the industry, with "penetration" being the ultimate goal. The harsh truth behind these words reflects the bitter reality for many aspiring musicians, who must be commercially viable to achieve success, even if that compromises artistic authenticity.


The bridge section is an imagined conversation between an artist and a record executive. The executive delivers the news that the artist has not made the cut, and must leave by five. They reassure the artist that they did their best, but it is not enough. This conversation highlights the relentless nature of the music industry, where success is the only ultimate goal. The song provides a harsh critique of capitalist values and the effects they have on the music industry's approach to artistry and authenticity.


Line by Line Meaning

Have you ever seen an idealist
Have you ever met a person who is deeply committed to their ideals?


With gray hairs on his head
Who has aged and gained wisdom with time.


Or successful men that keep in touch
Have you seen successful men who have maintained their friendships with less successful ones?


With unsuccessful friends
Who haven't made as much progress in their personal and professional lives.


You only think you did
You might believe you have seen something like that before.


I could have sworn I saw it too
I believed I had seen it as well.


But as it turns out
However, it appears that my perception was not accurate.


It was just a clever ad for cigarettes
What I thought was an admirable trait was simply a marketing strategy for a harmful product.


'Cause if it isn't making dollars
If something isn't generating income,


Then it isn't making sense
It isn't considered practical or valuable.


If you aren't moving units
If you aren't selling enough products or services,


Then you're not worth the expense
You're considered unimportant or disposable to the company.


If you really want to make it
If you truly aspire to succeed in this world,


You had best remember this
You need to keep in mind the following:


If it isn't penetration
If you aren't making inroads or gaining ground,


The it isn't worth the kiss
Your efforts are not worthy of recognition or advancement.


We're so sorry sir
We regret to inform you,


But you did not quite make
You have not achieved the required standards,


The cut this time
To earn a place on this team or within our company.


And we'd appreciate it if you
We would be grateful if you would


Cleared you stuff on out by five
Remove your belongings from this space by 5 pm.


Don't take it personal
Please don't misunderstand our decision or take it as a personal offense.


Everyone knows you did your best
We understand that you put in genuine effort and tried your best.


If it makes it easier
If it helps you cope with the rejection,


You should look at it
Consider viewing it


From our perspective
Based on the company's priorities and objectives.




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: CASEY FOUBERT, DAVID SHANNON BAZAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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