Cables
Big Black (Rock) Lyrics
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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
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
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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