General Public
General Public Lyrics


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Come and join the federation
We could have communication
You can have your application
Be inside the battle station
Could this be your fascination
Look out for hallucinations
Stick right to the regulations
Must keep down the population

That's right, you could act so badly
People never notice sadly
All the goings-on behind the backs
Of men left well-deserted

Seek out individuality
Make sure you show hospitality
Face it now 'cause its reality
Watch the change in personality
What's to change humanity?

That's right, you could act so badly
People never notice sadly
All the goings-on behind the backs
Of men left well-deserted

Uh-huh, General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh

Keep your head down, start to fire
Show them you're the terrifier
He claims he's a justifier
Can't you see that he's a liar?
Got to act as if you're slyer
You can be the supplier

That's right, you could act so badly
People never notice sadly
All the goings-on behind the backs
Of men left well-deserted

General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh
General public, uh-huh

Play the white man




Work like a black
General Public striking back, back, back, back, back, back, backbiter, back

Overall Meaning

The song "General Public" by General Public is a commentary on conformity and the dangers of blindly following authority. The lyrics encourage the listener to join the "federation" and follow strict regulations, but also warn of the potential for hallucinations and loss of individuality. The repetition of the phrase "act so badly" is a reminder that sometimes the right thing to do is to resist authority and act against the rules in order to effect change.


The song is also a call to action, urging the listener to seek out individuality and hospitality in order to change humanity. It notes that change in society often comes through personal transformation and encourages the listener to think critically about the world around them. The repetition of the phrase "General Public" in the chorus reinforces the idea that these issues affect everyone and that we all have a responsibility to act.


Overall, "General Public" is a powerful critique of conformity and a call to action for individualism and critical thinking.


Line by Line Meaning

Come and join the federation
The singer is inviting or encouraging others to join together in a group or organization, possibly for a common goal or belief.


We could have communication
The singer recognizes the importance of clear and open communication within the group to facilitate understanding and coordination.


You can have your application
The singer is suggesting that members of the group can pursue or achieve their goals within the framework of the organization or collective.


Be inside the battle station
The group may be entering into some kind of conflict or challenge, and members are being urged to prepare accordingly.


Could this be your fascination
The artist is wondering whether the appeal or attraction of the group's cause or activity is compelling to members.


Look out for hallucinations
The singer may be warning members to be wary of false or distorted perceptions or beliefs that could undermine the group's effectiveness or goals.


Stick right to the regulations
Members are being urged to adhere to established rules or procedures, which may help promote order, fairness, or achievement.


Must keep down the population
The artist may be advocating some kind of population control or management strategy to address social, environmental, or other concerns.


That's right, you could act so badly
The artist acknowledges the possibility of negative or unethical behavior on the part of group members, whether intentional or not.


People never notice sadly
Despite the potential consequences of bad behavior, the artist suggests that members may be able to get away with it without detection or accountability.


All the goings-on behind the backs
The singer implies that much of what happens in the group may be hidden or secret, unknown to or concealed from others outside the group.


Of men left well-deserted
It's possible that the group's purpose, beliefs, or actions may not be accepted or supported by many people outside the group.


Seek out individuality
The singer may be encouraging members to embrace their unique qualities or perspectives, which could help contribute to the group's effectiveness or innovation.


Make sure you show hospitality
Even as members embrace individuality, the singer suggests that they also need to maintain welcoming or supportive attitudes toward others in the group.


Face it now 'cause its reality
The singer acknowledges that the group's goals or activities may be challenging or difficult, but members need to accept and deal with them regardless.


Watch the change in personality
The artist may be warning that participation in the group may have unexpected or negative effects on members' attitudes or behaviors.


What's to change humanity?
Ultimately, the artist is questioning what impact the group's actions or beliefs may have on society or the world at large.


Keep your head down, start to fire
The singer may be urging members to be cautious or subtle in their actions, while also preparing to act with determination or intensity.


Show them you're the terrifier
Members are being urged to convey strength or power through their actions or attitudes, perhaps to intimidate or influence others.


He claims he's a justifier
The artist is questioning the credibility or motives of someone who may be justifying or rationalizing their actions or beliefs.


Can't you see that he's a liar?
The artist is suggesting that the person or group in question is not telling the truth or may be manipulating others for their own gain or agenda.


Got to act as if you're slyer
The artist may be advising members to be smart, crafty, or cunning in their actions, while also being careful not to be caught or exposed.


You can be the supplier
The singer may be suggesting that members have something valuable or essential to provide or contribute to the group's cause or goals.


Play the white man
This phrase likely reflects a certain cultural context and may be interpreted in different ways. Its meaning is unclear but may relate to possible assumptions or prejudices regarding race or power dynamics in a group or society.


Work like a black
Similar to the previous phrase, its meaning is unclear but may relate to possible assumptions or stereotypes regarding work ethic or productivity based on race or culture.


General Public striking back, back, back, back, back, back, backbiter, back
This repeated phrase and final line of the song may suggest a call to action or defiance, or simply serve as a catchy refrain or chant-like element of the song.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROGER CHARLERY, DAVID WAKELING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

perpetual61

I saw General Public in Concert in 85 and they played this song. It was most Fun I have ever had.

Ian Hughes

TOP TUNE - saw GP and they were a brilliant live act -
so sorry to hear of Roger's passing.. RIP.

thunderandlight431

Know this is from the 80s but it still sounds great. Love it. Thanks for posting this classic little gem!!!

Huw Photographer

I have this sung live on BBC show somewhere on VHS , excellent !

Celtic and Penobscot

As a reflection of how the run of the mill manage their civic and political lives, this will NEVER get old.

Adam Sukenick

Thank you I've been looking everywhere for this.

Celtic and Penobscot

It's an oldie, but the lyrics haven't aged a minute! :O

mina19621

very best

Hot80s

Uh-Huh Uh-HuH

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