Avail is on 'permanent standby' as per Tim Barry's interview on Dope Sick Radio #40. Tim mentions in the interview "let's just say it's a thing of the past"
Pink Houses
Avail Lyrics
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Living in a black neighbourhood
He's got an interstate runnin' through his front yard
You know, he think, that he's got it so good
And there's a woman in the kitchen cleanin' up the evening slop
And he looks at her and says: hey darling, I can remember when you could stop a clock
Oh but ain't that America for you and me
Ain't that America, home of the free
Little pink houses for you and me
Well there's a young man in a t-shirt
Listening to a rockin' rollin' station
He's got a greasy hair, greasy smile
He says: lord, this must be my destination
'cuz they told me, when I was younger
Boy, you're gonna be president
But just like everything else, those old crazy dreams
Just kinda came and went
Well there's people and more people
What do they know know know
Go to work in some high rise
And vacation down at the gulf of Mexico
Ohhh yeah
And there's winners, and there's losers
But they ain't no big deal
'cuz the simple man baby pays for the thrills,
The bills and the pills that kill
The lyrics of Avail's song "Pink Houses" show a satirical take on the American dream and the reality of life in America. The song starts with a description of a black man living in a black neighborhood, with an interstate running through his front yard. Despite the apparent disadvantage, the man thinks he's got it good. The lyrics show the contrast between the dreams and hopes of Americans and the harsh reality of their lives.
The song goes on to describe different characters, such as a young man who dreams of becoming the president but soon realizes that his dreams were just passing fancies. There are people working in high rises and vacationing in the Gulf of Mexico, and there are winners and losers. But the simple man, who pays for the bills that kill, is the one who ultimately suffers the most.
The chorus "Ain't that America for you and me, Ain't that America we're something to see baby, Ain't that America, home of the free, Little pink houses for you and me" emphasizes the irony of the situation. America may be the land of opportunities, but it also comes with its fair share of contradictions and complications. The little pink houses serve as a metaphor for the American dream, a dream that is often unattainable for most people.
Overall, the lyrics of "Pink Houses" by Avail are a commentary on the American dream, and how it is often just a facade. The song reveals the reality of the American way of life, the struggles of its people, and how it doesn't always live up to its promises.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a black man with a black cat
In this predominantly black neighborhood, there's a man who owns a black cat.
Living in a black neighbourhood
This man and his cat live in a neighborhood that has a predominantly black population.
He's got an interstate runnin' through his front yard
The main highway runs through the front lawn of his house.
You know, he think, that he's got it so good
Despite the loud noise from the interstate and other potential downsides of his living situation, he is content and believes his life is good.
And there's a woman in the kitchen cleanin' up the evening slop
Inside the house, a woman is cleaning up after dinner.
And he looks at her and says: hey darling, I can remember when you could stop a clock
Her beauty strikes him and he tells her that he remembers when she was so stunning that she could literally stop time.
Oh but ain't that America for you and me
This is just how life is in America for both him and others.
Ain't that America we're something to see baby
They are all part of America's diverse culture and are unique in their own way.
Ain't that America, home of the free
America is called the land of the free and it indeed is free and diverse, offering ample opportunities for all.
Little pink houses for you and me
Most Americans live in these tiny yet beautiful houses, which are symbols of their modest yet comfortable lives.
Well there's a young man in a t-shirt
Here, a young man who loves rock music and sports t-shirts is introduced.
Listening to a rockin' rollin' station
He enjoys listening to a lively rock music station.
He's got a greasy hair, greasy smile
Though his hair and face are greasy, he has a genuine smile on his face.
He says: lord, this must be my destination
He feels that this life of enjoying rock music and expressing his own unique personality is what he was designed for.
'cuz they told me, when I was younger
People told him he could become the president of the country when he was still young and full of dreams.
Boy, you're gonna be president
People used to encourage him and tell him that he was meant to be the leader of the most powerful country.
But just like everything else, those old crazy dreams
However, like many other unfounded, naive dreams, this one lost its charm and appeal over time.
Just kinda came and went
It just did not work out, and the dream sort of disappeared in thin air without a fuss.
Well there's people and more people
America is a densely populated country with people everywhere you go.
What do they know know know
Despite the large population, there is a general trend that the people here often know very little about anything else happening in the world.
Go to work in some high rise
People lead busy lives and work in tall buildings or skyscrapers.
And vacation down at the gulf of Mexico
They like spending their vacation time and leisure trips in coastal areas such as the Gulf of Mexico.
Ohhh yeah
It's a common sentiment and way of life in America.
And there's winners, and there's losers
There is always success and failure in life, and those outcomes are a part of one's journey.
But they ain't no big deal
Winning or losing isn't a significant event in the grand scheme of things.
'cuz the simple man baby pays for the thrills,
The average, ordinary person pays to experience the pleasure of leisure and fancy trips.
The bills and the pills that kill
These trips come with a price tag, not to mention the additional cost of taking medication to manage any related health issues.
Contributed by Anna D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.