Mis-Shapes
Franz Ferdinand Lyrics
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Raised on a diet of broken biscuits
Oh, we don't look the same as you
We don't do the things you do
But we live around here too
Oh, really
Mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits
Oh, 'cause they just want to keep us out
You could end up with a smack in the mouth
Just for standing out
Oh, really
Brothers, sisters, can't you see?
The future's owned by you and me
There won't be fighting in the street
They think they've got us beat
But revenge is going to be so sweet
We're making a move, we're making it now
We're coming out of the side-lines
Just put your hands up, it's a raid, yeah
We want your homes, we want your lives
We want the things you won't allow us
We want use guns, we want use bombs
We'll use the one thing we've got more of, that's our minds
Check your lucky numbers
That much money could drag you under, oh
What's the point of being rich if you can't think what to do with it?
'Cause you're so very thick
Oh, we weren't supposed to be
We learnt too much at school now we can't help but see
That the future that you've got mapped out
Is nothing much to shout about
We're making a move, we're making it now
We're coming out of the side-lines
Just put your hands up, it's a raid, yeah
We want your homes, we want your lives
We want the things you won't allow us
We want use guns, we want use bombs
We'll use the one thing we've got more of, that's our minds
(break)
Brothers, sisters, can't you see?
The future's owned by you and me
There won't be fighting in the street
They think they've got us beat
But revenge is going to be so sweet
We're making a move, we're making it now
We're coming out of the side-lines
Just put your hands up, it's a raid, yeah
We want your homes, we want your lives
We want the things you won't allow us
We want use guns, we want use bombs
We'll use the one thing we've got more of, that's our minds
And that's our minds, yeah
The lyrics of the song Mis-Shapes by Franz Ferdinand are all about those who don't fit into societal norms and are considered outcasts. The song talks about "mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits," who are "raised on a diet of broken biscuits." They don't look the same and don't do the things others do, but they live in the same area as others. The song is all about frustration and rebellion against being kept out of the mainstream. The people in the song want to go to town, but they can't risk it, as they might get battered for standing out. The refrain of "Oh really?" indicates skepticism or incredulity with the status quo.
The chorus of the song, "Brothers, sisters, can't you see? The future's owned by you and me" showcases that the future belongs to everyone alike, no matter who they are or where they come from. The song also touches upon the idea of revenge, and how sweet it will be. The words "mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits" are a nod to the song's inspiration, "Common People" by Pulp. On a deeper level, the song reflects on the universal struggle of not fitting in and the desire to be accepted.
Line by Line Meaning
Mis-shapes, mistakes, misfits
We may not fit your version of normal, but that doesn't mean we don't belong here.
Raised on a diet of broken biscuits
We may have had a rough upbringing, but we're still here and we're still strong.
Oh, we don't look the same as you
Our appearance may be different, but we are still human and deserve respect.
We don't do the things you do
We may not follow your norms, but that doesn't make us inferior.
But we live around here too
We are not outsiders or intruders, we are members of this community.
Oh, really
We're tired of being dismissed and belittled for being different.
We'd like to go to town but we can't risk it
We face discrimination and violence simply for being who we are.
Oh, 'cause they just want to keep us out
Those in power want to maintain their privilege and exclude us from opportunities.
You could end up with a smack in the mouth
Violence towards us is normalized and even encouraged by some.
Just for standing out
Our mere existence and difference is seen as a threat to the status quo.
Brothers, sisters, can't you see?
Those who share our experiences and struggles, can you not see the potential for change?
The future's owned by you and me
We have the power to shape our collective future.
They think they've got us beat
Oppressors believe they have complete control over us, but we know better.
But revenge is going to be so sweet
We will fight for justice and equality and eventually, we will prevail.
We're making a move, we're making it now
We are actively working towards change and will not be complacent.
We're coming out of the side-lines
We will no longer stay in the shadows or allow others to make decisions for us.
Just put your hands up, it's a raid, yeah
We are taking what is rightfully ours and demanding change.
We want your homes, we want your lives
We are entitled to the same quality of life and opportunities as anyone else.
We want the things you won't allow us
The oppressive structures in place deny us access to resources and opportunities.
We want use guns, we want use bombs
We are willing to fight for what we believe in by any means necessary.
We'll use the one thing we've got more of, that's our minds
We will use our intelligence, creativity, and determination to overcome obstacles and effect change.
Check your lucky numbers
Those in positions of privilege should recognize their privilege and use it for good.
That much money could drag you under, oh
Excessive wealth can have negative consequences for individuals and society.
What's the point of being rich if you can't think what to do with it?
Material wealth is meaningless if it is not used to benefit others and create positive change.
'Cause you're so very thick
The wealthy and privileged may be blinded by their own privilege and unable to see the suffering of others.
Oh, we weren't supposed to be
Our existence and resistance is seen as a deviation from the norm and a threat to the establishment.
We learnt too much at school now we can't help but see
Education and awareness has empowered us to see the world for what it truly is and demand change.
That the future that you've got mapped out
The oppressive and unjust future that those in power have planned is not the future we want.
Is nothing much to shout about
The future that they have planned is not something to be celebrated, it is something to fight against.
And that's our minds, yeah
Our intelligence and creativity is our most powerful weapon in the fight for liberation.
Contributed by Annabelle H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Charlie Ashby
I love Pulp, I like Franz Ferdinand. This was a live cover, so it's bound not to be perfect. But they're human guys? having fun? Just listen, it's a pretty fun cover :)
Anonymous Donut
Charlie Ashby **triggered fan** nO
Mike chaires
Que buen gusto tienen los franz ferdinand para hacer covers....yeah!!!
franz
OMG THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! 💕💕💕
Marcus Almeida
Geez, i almost love both bands, but, if mis-shapes wouldn't be a Pulp song, it would be the seveth song on Franz Ferdinand album.
ibyabiso5
This is fun and brings a smile to my face.
Marcelo Heredia
Good job, guys!!!
Jehnyahl
Even though it's a joke...it still sounds great.
TGralJDPeron
I'm a Pulp fan, and I really enjoy FF. But I don't know why there's so many bad comments for this song. I think it's really good. And the rhythm guitar is great (listen to it!!!!) Orsojka, thanks!
Phantom Prim
I actually like it. The acoustic version gives a very hippie protest song vibe to it.