Department of Youth
Alice Cooper Lyrics
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You read about us all in the papers
We walk around and bump into walls - a blind delegation
And we ain't afraid of high power
We're bullet proof
And we've never heard of Eisenhower
Missile power, justice or truth
Your new Department of Youth
We're the Department of Youth
Just me and youth
We talk about this whole stupid world
And still come out laughing
We never make any sense
But hell that never mattered
But we'll make it through our blackest hour
We're living proof
And we've never heard of Billy Sunday
Damon Runyon, manners or couth
We're the Department of Youth
Your new Department of Youth
We're the Department of Youth
Just me and youth
We're the Department of Youth
The new Department of Youth
We're the Department of Youth
We've got the power
We're the Department of Youth
And who gave it to you?
Donny Osmond!
What?!
The opening lines of Alice Cooper's song "Department of Youth" describes a group of rebellious and carefree youth who are often in trouble and make headlines in the newspapers. They are portrayed as being blind to delegation and ignorant of important world leaders and concepts such as missile power, justice or truth. The Department of Youth is portrayed here as a group that is fearless and invincible, in that they believe themselves to be bulletproof, a symbol of their youth and naivety.
The lyrics also suggest that these young people have unconventional ways of dealing with life, as they find humor and laughter in situations that don't make sense. They may not adhere to social norms, with no regard for manners or couth. Yet, regardless of their flaws and unconventional ways, they are convinced they will survive the "blackest hour" and that they have the power to overcome any challenges that life may throw at them.
Moreover, the song "Department of Youth" can also be interpreted as a critique of the societal conventions and ideologies that the older generation adheres to. Alice Cooper seems to suggest that the youth should be given more power to shape the world in their own image, as they are the ones who hold the key to the future.
Line by Line Meaning
We're in trouble all the time
We constantly find ourselves in difficult situations.
You read about us all in the papers
Our antics are often written about in the news.
We walk around and bump into walls - a blind delegation
We stumble around aimlessly and without direction.
And we ain't afraid of high power
We aren't intimidated by authority figures.
We're bullet proof
We feel invincible and impervious to harm.
And we've never heard of Eisenhower
We're ignorant of significant political figures.
Missile power, justice or truth
We're apathetic towards important world issues.
We're the Department of Youth
We represent the younger generation.
Your new Department of Youth
We are a fresh, new perspective.
Just me and youth
We stand united as a force of young people.
We talk about this whole stupid world
We discuss and criticize the current state of the world.
And still come out laughing
Despite the seriousness of our discussions, we maintain a sense of humor.
We never make any sense
Our conversations are often nonsensical and rambling.
But hell that never mattered
We don't concern ourselves with making sense or following societal norms.
But we'll make it through our blackest hour
We will persevere through tough times.
We're living proof
Our resilience serves as evidence of the strength of youth.
And we've never heard of Billy Sunday
We're unfamiliar with influential religious leaders.
Damon Runyon, manners or couth
We lack knowledge of cultured and sophisticated behavior.
We've got the power
We possess the strength of youth and its potential for change.
And who gave it to you?
A question aimed at those in power, asking where they get their authority from.
Donny Osmond!
A humorous and unexpected response to the previous question, suggesting that the power of youth comes from someone unexpected.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group
Written by: RICHARD WAGNER, ALICE COOPER, BOB EZRIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phil
on Former Lee Warmer
Interesting. I like it! I am surprised someone covered that lesser known song of Cooper’s. I will have to check out more of Valery’s work.