Names Tags Numbers
Albert Hammond Lyrics

In Albert Hammond's song "Names Tags Numbers & Labels," the lyrics touch on the ways in which society assigns and judges individuals based on various external factors such as their names, appearances, and ages. The song highlights how these imposed identities can influence a person's self-perception and how others perceive them.

The first verse introduces a man who drinks cheap alcohol to drown his sorrows, implying that he feels trapped by his circumstances and doesn't have much hope for a better life. The wordplay with "Wino" suggests that his name has become synonymous with his struggle and addiction. Similarly, the second verse describes a man who speaks and tries to fit into a higher social class, but deep down, he feels phony and sees nothing genuine in his reflection.

The chorus emphasizes the power of names, tags, numbers, and labels in shaping one's identity. Society often teaches us what we are supposed to be and what we should believe about ourselves. However, the singer emphasizes that his name for the person is "beautiful," indicating that he sees the person's true character beyond the imposed labels. Conversely, the other person's name for the singer is "fool," suggesting that they view the singer as someone who doesn't conform to societal norms.

The song then explores the themes of tags and numbers, highlighting how they can limit and define individuals. The third verse introduces a kid who isn't interested in the traditional ball game, indicating that he doesn't conform to gender expectations and might face judgment as a result. The following verse features a woman in her mid-twenties who desires a family and a home, but she feels overshadowed by her sister, who is seen as prettier. The word "lonely" implies that she feels isolated and inadequate due to societal expectations.

The bridge of the song delves into the concept of numbers, with the lyrics suggesting that time inevitably affects and marks everyone. The image of age being "scrawled across the office wall" represents how society often places a strong emphasis on age and the limitations that come with getting older. The final verse discusses labels, with the singer realizing that someone has assigned a particular label to them, questioning if that was all the person truly thought of them.

Overall, "Names Tags Numbers & Labels" explores the impact of societal expectations and roles on individual identity, highlighting the ways in which people often judge and label each other based on superficial factors.