On February 1st, 2009 Bo Pepper posted an announcement on their Myspace blog saying that they have disbanded.
Good Cop Bad Cop
Bo Pepper Lyrics
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It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes
(And just between us two)
What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes
I was the one you turned your back on today
Come to me and know my style
Sit down a second, break it down for a while
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes
(And just between us two)
What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes
Shut your mouth and clench your fist
Those pretty girls are powerless to resist
Oh you're so eager to please
I like you better when you're down on your knees
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes
(And just between us two)
What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes
Whoo!
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a record sound
And so good cop bad cop
They build you up and break you down
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
Like a - play you like a goddamn record sound
(What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes)
Play you like a goddamn record sound
(What do you know
It's the same old, same old
Way that it goes)
The lyrics to Bo Pepper's "Good Cop Bad Cop" talk about the corrupt practices of law enforcement and the power dynamics at play in these situations. The song is a commentary on how those in power can manipulate and control those in less powerful positions, as seen through the lens of a good cop bad cop interrogation. The opening lines repeat the phrase "same old, same old" which suggests that this is a recurring pattern that has been happening for a long time and is not unique to one specific incident.
The chorus of the song talks about how good cop bad cop interrogation techniques can build someone up and then "break you down." This refers to the way in which the interrogators may offer incentives or kindness in the form of the "good cop" before switching to the "bad cop" who uses intimidation, threats or violence to force a confession or cooperation. The line "Oh, when you think they'll have to play you like a record sound" suggests that this is a predetermined script that those in power follow, and those being interrogated are viewed as mere objects to be manipulated and controlled.
The second verse puts particular emphasis on the way in which women may be targeted and exploited in these situations. The line "those pretty girls are powerless to resist" speaks to the unequal power dynamics at play and how women may be particularly vulnerable to this kind of manipulation. The final lines of the song suggest that this is an ongoing problem that will continue to perpetuate unless something changes.
Overall, the song is a powerful critique of the way in which those in power manipulate and exploit those who are less powerful, particularly in the context of law enforcement. It highlights the need for change and for those in power to be held accountable for their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you know
Expressing disdain for a predictable situation
It's the same old, same old
The situation is a familiar and predictable pattern
Way that it goes
The situation is inevitable
(And just between us two)
A conspiratorial aside
Come to me and know my name
I offer a means to escape that pattern
I was the one you turned your back on today
You ignored my offer of help earlier
Come to me and know my style
I have a unique way of doing things which you can learn from
Sit down a second, break it down for a while
Take a moment to analyze the situation with me
Shut your mouth and clench your fist
Be tough and aggressive
Those pretty girls are powerless to resist
Women are easily manipulated
Oh you're so eager to please
You're overly concerned with others' opinions of you
I like you better when you're down on your knees
I prefer you to be subservient to me
And so good cop bad cop
The situation is like a police interrogation
They build you up and break you down
They manipulate you psychologically to achieve their goal
Oh, when you think they'll have to play you
When you think you've figured out their strategy
Like a record sound
You realize they're just following a script
Play you like a goddamn record sound
They completely control your actions and reactions
Whoo!
Excitement or triumph
Contributed by Elijah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
José
Diésel.