Criminal
Bedouin Soundclash Lyrics

The lyrics to Bedouin + Soundclash's song Criminal are rich in imagery and symbolism. The first verse alludes to the singer's journey into town with their companion. They are walking on a dusty country road at night when the moon is low, signaling the start of the adventure. The words "clean clothes" of the second line figures the image of recent preparation or premeditation, but the subject is also too conspicuous, too tall. Despite this, the singer follows a "rebel's call," an inclination towards rebellion or subversion. The verse sets up the theme of rebellion and opposition to the status quo, which is further explored in the chorus.

The chorus is where the real meaning of the song is revealed: "Who is the shadow behind your door? / Whose face are you looking for?" The lyrics indicate a struggle—a search for someone or something. The singer or the singer is seeking, but it is unclear who or what the target of the search is. It's possible that the persona is searching for a new identity or a place in the world, rejecting the status quo, while the symbol of the shadow behind the door represents a conflict or obstacle.

The final part of the song describes a violent encounter that ends with the singer being hailed as a hero for stopping a criminal. The lyric "This country stops, when this man drops" alludes to the idea that the people around the singer are complicit in the man's death, and that this sort of violence is normalized in their community. It questions who has the authority to decide who is a criminal and what kind of punishment they deserve. In its entirety, Bedouin + Soundclash's "Criminal" is a powerful critique of societal constructs, and calls into question what it means to be a criminal; whether laws and justice systems are effective or impartial.