Dillinger Four is a punk rock band formed in 1994 in Minneapolis, Minnesota… Read Full Bio ↴Dillinger Four is a punk rock band formed in 1994 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have released five full-length studio albums. The current band members are Patrick Costello on bass guitar and vocals, Erik Funk and Bill Morrisette on guitars and vocals, and Lane Pederson on drums. They are signed to Fat Wreck Chords. 2008 saw the release of C I V I L W A R, their first record in 6 years.

#51 Dick Butkus
Dillinger Four Lyrics

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Mother said I can't listen to Radio Havana, and I
Read by a flashlight late that night
On these Northside streets, try avoiding the lights
Try avoiding any type of a political fight

So alone are these new deal homes
It can't only matter what you know, but how you let your anger show

Harold Washington
In a garter-belt and stockings

Father wasn't picking sides
But dog-eared pages gave clues to the thoughts inside
The black sheep prince bowed for the crown today

Tried keeping things quiet, tried keeping things still
Tried keeping this conscience from an honest chill
Tradition settles in like rust
But the record knows, so let it show that desperate is as clever does

Harry Carey
Making sick off Clark Street

Overall Meaning

The first verse of this song speaks to the societal pressures and limitations that exist, particularly in terms of free speech and political affiliation. The singer's mother has forbidden them from listening to Radio Havana, which could potentially provide alternative viewpoints that go against mainstream ideology. The singer then reads with a flashlight late into the night, symbolizing the need to hide and be discreet in consuming these "forbidden" ideas. The Northside streets are noted as being hostile to political discussions, emphasizing the fear surrounding political discourse. The singer knows that showing anger or differing opinions openly could be dangerous in this environment, and so they try to avoid any kind of political confrontation.

The second verse references Harold Washington, who was the first black mayor of Chicago. However, he is portrayed in an unconventional way, wearing a garter-belt and stockings, which is likely a commentary on how the media sexualized his image. The singer's father is not explicitly taking sides politically, but has dog-eared pages in his books that indicate his thoughts on the matter. The "black sheep prince" is a metaphorical reference to someone who goes against the norm or status quo, and they are bowing for the crown, symbolizing their adherence to traditional values. The singer has tried to keep things quiet and avoid confrontation, but the weight of their conscience is causing them to feel uneasy. The last line mentions "desperate is as clever does", which suggests that sometimes people need to take drastic measures to incite change.

Line by Line Meaning

Mother said I can't listen to Radio Havana, and I
My mother prohibited me from listening to Radio Havana, so I

Read by a flashlight late that night
Read secretly using a flashlight at night

On these Northside streets, try avoiding the lights
Trying not to attract any attention while walking on the Northside streets

Try avoiding any type of a political fight
Avoiding engaging in any political arguments or confrontations

So alone are these new deal homes
Newly built homes on the Northside seem so isolated

It can't only matter what you know, but how you let your anger show
Your level of knowledge isn't the only thing that counts, it also matters how you express your anger

Harold Washington
Referring to the African American mayor of Chicago- Harold Washington

In a garter-belt and stockings
Wearing feminine undergarments such as garter-belt and stockings

Father wasn't picking sides
My father was impartial

But dog-eared pages gave clues to the thoughts inside
Despite his neutrality, the marked pages in his book revealed his thoughts

The black sheep prince bowed for the crown today
A rebellious member of the family succumbs to the expectations of the privileged today

Tried keeping things quiet, tried keeping things still
Attempted to maintain peace and calmness

Tried keeping this conscience from an honest chill
Tried ignoring an unsettling feeling of guilt

Tradition settles in like rust
Tradition becomes stagnant and corroded over time

But the record knows, so let it show that desperate is as clever does
The history books have recorded past desperation, so let's learn from them that taking action is necessary in difficult times

Harry Carey
Referring to a former broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs baseball team- Harry Carey

Making sick off Clark Street
Sickening or disgusting events occured on Clark Street

Contributed by Mila I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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