Cables
Big Black (Rock) Lyrics


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Well, I don't know why we come here
Guess I just needed the bang
We walk in the beef, and then we pull on the rope
And then the, then the hammer comes down

Cables
Cables
Cables

So I guess they know
I'm not no company man
But I can pull on a rope, I can kill a cow
Fast as any other fucker can

Cables





Cables
Cables

Overall Meaning

The song "Cables" by Big Black (Rock) is a commentary on the dehumanizing and exploitative nature of industrial work. The singer sings of not understanding why he comes to this place of work, but acknowledges the thrill and excitement that comes with performing dangerous tasks like pulling on a rope. The repeated refrain of "Cables" represents the physical infrastructure that the workers are required to manipulate in order to do their jobs. Despite the danger, the singer takes pride in his ability to perform as well as any other worker and does not see himself as a "company man," but rather as an individual who can carry out his duties with skill and efficiency.


The song is characterized by its heavy, dissonant music and aggressive vocals, which reflect the anger and frustration felt by workers who are trapped in dead-end jobs with little hope for a better future. It is a commentary on the exploitation of workers in the industrial era and the toll that this kind of labor can take on a person's physical and mental health.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I don't know why we come here
Uncertainty towards the reason of visiting this place


Guess I just needed the bang
An admission of personal desire for excitement or stimulation


We walk in the beef, and then we pull on the rope
Participation in a physical task alongside others


And then the, then the hammer comes down
The result or consequence of their actions is felt


Cables
A repeated reference to the overarching theme or metaphor of the song


So I guess they know
Awareness of being viewed or judged by others


I'm not no company man
A denial of adherence to corporate or societal norms


But I can pull on a rope, I can kill a cow
Emphasis on personal physical capability and strength


Fast as any other fucker can
Self-assuredness in personal abilities compared to others


Cables
A repeated reference to the overarching theme or metaphor of the song




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