W's Duty
Jonathan Coulton Lyrics
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Let me talk about duty
Why? Because it needs to get done
This administration has failed to do it
And now, we have an urgent duty
We should do it now
Do it, and do it well
If it feels good do it
Yeah, I'm talking about a massive situation
Let me just...let me just put it to you this way
The situation could hardly get worse
And you know how I know?
I feel this, this terrible sadness
Is there hope for me?
Do I have a chance?
And frankly, do you?
A great duty has been done
This has required extended duty
Sometimes duty is hard
Where there is suffering there is duty
America's duty is familiar
We accept that duty in our time
We must keep our focus
We must do our duty
His purpose is achieved in our duty
And our duty is fulfilled in service to one another
The song "W's Duty" by Jonathan Coulton is a satirical take on the George W. Bush administration and its idea of duty. The song is sung from the perspective of a supporter of the administration who is promoting the notion of duty as a way of justifying their actions. The song starts with the singer declaring their love for duty and how it needs to be done. They then go on to criticize the administration for failing to do their duty, and how urgent it is to do it now. The singer emphasizes the need to do it well and to do it even if it feels good.
The second verse of the song is a commentary on the dire situation that the country is in, and how the singer feels a terrible sadness. They question if there is any hope for them, and if they have a chance. The song then goes on to declare that a great duty has been done, and that it required extended duty. The singer acknowledges that duty is hard, but they remind listeners that where there is suffering, there is duty. They also emphasize the importance of America's duty as something familiar and accepted in their time. The song ends by stating that their duty is fulfilled in service to one another, which implies that the administration has failed in that regard.
Line by Line Meaning
I like duty
I feel a sense of satisfaction and obligation towards performing my duties
Let me talk about duty
I want to initiate a discussion about the responsibilities and obligations that we have to fulfill
Why? Because it needs to get done
We must fulfill our duties as they are necessary and important
This administration has failed to do it
The current government has not been able to fulfill their duties
And now, we have an urgent duty
We are facing an important and pressing obligation at this moment
We should do it now
We must fulfill our obligations promptly
Do it, and do it well
We must perform our duties in a complete, accurate, and effective manner
If it feels good do it
We should take pleasure in performing our duties if it is a positive experience
Yeah, I'm talking about a massive situation
I am referring to a significant and complex issue that requires attention and action
Let me just...let me just put it to you this way
Allow me to explain the situation in a particular manner
The situation could hardly get worse
The current issue is in a severe state and requires immediate attention to avoid further escalation
And you know how I know?
I am confident that the situation is bad as I understand the facts and implications related to it
I feel this, this terrible sadness
I am experiencing an intense feeling of sorrow and despair as a result of the situation
Is there hope for me?
I am questioning whether there is a possibility of a positive outcome for me and those affected by the situation
Do I have a chance?
I am uncertain if there is a possibility of a favorable outcome for the current situation
And frankly, do you?
I am asking if you share the same sense of uncertainty and doubt as I do
A great duty has been done
Significant and meaningful obligations have been fulfilled
This has required extended duty
The obligation has been ongoing and has involved a considerable amount of effort
Sometimes duty is hard
Performing obligations can be challenging and difficult
Where there is suffering there is duty
In situations where people are experiencing pain or hardship, there is a responsibility to help and provide support
America's duty is familiar
As Americans, we are accustomed to fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities
We accept that duty in our time
We acknowledge and embrace our current obligations and responsibilities
We must keep our focus
We must remain attentive and undistracted in fulfilling our obligations
We must do our duty
Performing our obligations is necessary and essential
His purpose is achieved in our duty
By fulfilling our obligations, we are contributing to a greater outcome or goal
And our duty is fulfilled in service to one another
We serve our community and fellow human beings by fulfilling our obligations
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.