Dead Kennedys' lyrics were usually political in nature, satirizing the Reagan Administration and the American establishment in general, as well as popular culture and even the punk movement itself. Several stores refused to stock their recordings, sparking debate about censorship in rock music. Jello Biafra became an active campaigner against the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), culminating in an obscenity trial in 1985-1986 which resulted in a hung jury.
The group released a total of four studio albums and one EP before disbanding in 1986. Following the band's dissolution, Jello Biafra continued to collaborate and record with other artists including D.O.A., NoMeansNo and his own bands Lard and the Guantanamo School of Medicine, as well as releasing spoken word performances and becoming an activist with the Green Party.
In 2000, Jello Biafra lost an acrimonious legal case initiated by his former Dead Kennedys band mates over songwriting credits and unpaid royalties. In 2001, the band reformed; various singers have since been recruited for vocal duties.
Insight
Dead Kennedys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's that kid in the back of the room?
He's setting all his papers on fire
He's setting all his papers on fire
Where did he get that crazy smile?
Where did he get that crazy smile?
We all think he's really weird
We all think he's really weird
He never looks quite right
He laughs at us
We just beat him up
What he sees escapes our sight
We never see him with the girls
We never see him with the girls
He's talking to himself again
He's talking to himself again
Why doesn't he want tons of friends?
Why doesn't he want tons of friends?
Says he's bored when we hang around
Says he's bored when we hang around
We never talk to him
He never looks quite right
He laughs at us
We just beat him up
What he sees escapes our sight
We're all planning our careers
We're all planning our careers
We're all planning our careers
He says we're growing old...
The lyrics of Dead Kennedys's song Insight narrate a fragmented story about a kid in the back of the room who stands out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons. The song questions the audience's perception of the kid and highlights the contrasts between him and his peers. The lyrics paint a picture of a teenager who rebels against the system and doesn't conform to the norm. He finds joy in setting his papers on fire and talks to himself, distancing himself from his peers who are busy planning for their future careers.
The song Insight is a critique of the society that pressures young individuals to conform to social norms and values. It portrays a rebellious teenager who refuses to fall in line and seeks to break the status quo. The song emphasizes that people who don't conform are often alienated and ostracized. By highlighting the isolation of the kid, the song brings attention to the emotional and mental vulnerabilities of such individuals. It calls for empathy and understanding towards people who do not fit the mold and encourages listeners to be more accepting and non-judgmental.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's that kid in the back of the room?
The author is questioning the identity of a certain kid who is present in the back of the classroom.
He's setting all his papers on fire
The kid is burning all of his paperwork, which could be a sign of his mental instability or frustration.
Where did he get that crazy smile?
The author is curious about the origins of the kid's unusual and perhaps unnerving smile.
We all think he's really weird
The author believes that everyone in the room considers the kid as odd or peculiar.
We never talk to him
Everyone seems to avoid the kid or not interact with him.
He never looks quite right
The kid's appearance is not normal or conventional in some way.
He laughs at us
The kid finds entertainment in the way everyone else acts and perhaps perceives the irony of the situation.
We just beat him up
The author describes a violent reaction from their group towards the kid's actions, likely due to their discomfort or prejudice towards him.
What he sees escapes our sight
The kid's interpretation of reality or events is missed by everyone else in the room, as he has a different perspective or belief system.
We never see him with the girls
The kid doesn't seem to be interested in the opposite sex or perhaps does not conform to social expectations in regards to dating or relationships.
He's talking to himself again
The kid is communicating with himself, which could be another sign of his mental instability or eccentricity.
Why doesn't he want tons of friends?
The author questions the reasons behind the kid's lack of interest in establishing relationships with others, especially given the social norm of making friends in high school.
Says he's bored when we hang around
The kid confesses that he is not entertained or challenged by the company of his peers in the classroom and finds them dull or unstimulating.
We're all planning our careers
Everyone else in the room is preoccupied with their future work or professional aspirations.
He says we're growing old...
The kid points out the fact that the present moment is fleeting and that everyone is getting older, possibly indicating an existential awareness or a different value system.
We never talk to him
Everyone else in the room continues to ignore the kid or not engage with him.
He never looks quite right
The kid still appears different or strange to everyone else.
He laughs at us
The kid still finds humor in the normal behavior and practices of the other students.
We just beat him up
Despite the events happening again and again, the other students never seem to change their reaction towards the kid.
What he sees escapes our sight
Even after observing the kid for a long time, the other students are still unable to understand the kid's unique perspective on life and the world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JELLO BIAFRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
yo mamma
on This Could Be Anywhere
fuck yo
u
u
u