Certain Kinds of Trash
Chain and the Gang Lyrics


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Certain kinds of trash you just don't see anymore

Certain kinds of trash aren't around anymore
You just don't see 'em, oh oh
Certain kinds of trash aren't on the floor
People don't need 'em, oh oh

You just don't see 'em
No no no, you just don't see 'em, oh oh
People don't need 'em
No no no, you just don't see 'em, oh oh

Things like pop tops from the twelve ounce can
You just don't see 'em, oh oh
Cigarette holders and colored sand
You don't see 'em, oh oh

Pieces of magnetic tape caught in a tree
Things are the things that I love to see
You just don't see 'em
Oh no no, you just don't see 'em
Woah! Come on!

Yeah, certain kinds of trash aren't around anymore
You just don't see 'em, oh oh




Certain kinds of trash aren't on the floor
People don't need 'em, oh oh

Overall Meaning

The song "Certain Kinds of Trash" by Chain and the Gang is a meditative reflection on social and cultural changes that have occurred over time. The lyrics begin with the observation that certain types of trash have become rare or extinct, indicating that the world or society has moved on from a certain era. The song seems to start off with some form of nostalgia, with the singer lamenting the loss of certain items. However, as the song progresses, it starts feeling more celebratory- as if the absence of these items is a sign of progress, shedding off a perceived superfluousness.


The song's lyrics go on to give specific examples of the types of trash that are no longer seen as commonly. Some of these items include pop tops from twelve-ounce cans, cigarette holders, and colored sand. Despite the mournful tone of the lyrics, the song feels more like a tribute to these forgotten items- a recognition of their significance and their place in the evolution of human culture. In essence, "Certain Kinds of Trash" is a simple message about inevitability and the idea that life goes on, with or without certain things.


Line by Line Meaning

Certain kinds of trash you just don't see anymore
Certain types of garbage are not present these days


Certain kinds of trash aren't around anymore
Specific types of rubbish no longer exist


You just don't see 'em, oh oh
They are not visible today


Certain kinds of trash aren't on the floor
Some types of garbage are not littering the ground


People don't need 'em, oh oh
Individuals have no use for them nowadays


No no no, you just don't see 'em, oh oh
Those types of trash do not exist any longer


Things like pop tops from the twelve ounce can
Objects such as tabs from 12 ounce cans


You just don't see 'em, oh oh
They are absent these days


Cigarette holders and colored sand
Containers for cigarettes and sand of distinct hues


You don't see 'em, oh oh
They are not visible these days


Pieces of magnetic tape caught in a tree
Fragments of magnetic tape stuck in a tree


Things are the things that I love to see
I enjoy seeing these objects


You just don't see 'em
Those things are not visible these days


Oh no no, you just don't see 'em
Unfortunately, they are not present anymore


Woah! Come on!
Expressing enthusiasm


Yeah, certain kinds of trash aren't around anymore
Indeed, specific types of garbage no longer exist


Certain kinds of trash aren't on the floor
Some types of rubbish are absent from the ground


People don't need 'em, oh oh
People have no use for them nowadays




Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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