City
Get Bent Lyrics


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The city's such a crowded place.
It forces us to look at the way we look at ourselves,
Because who I see in the mirror,
And the picture I have in my mind,
Isn't always the same thing reflected in stranger's eyes.
Make a catalog of all of my actions.
Write it down, fold it up, and keep it in my pocket.
Hold it close until I can answer the question.
What do I represent in this context?
(A history of centuries of oppression.)
Because I don't know who I am,
Or what it looks like behind the veil,
And I've just become a little more aware.
It's a sign of my privilege,
That I've never had to deal with this kid of labeling.
Take a train ride 100 miles north,
Find the same situations as before.
It's a socially created relationship about domination,
And a subordinate.




And I don't want any part of it.
But everything plays a part in it

Overall Meaning

The song "City" by Get Bent is a reflective piece that revolves around the idea that living in a city can be a confronting experience. The song begins by stating that the "city's such a crowded place" and that it "forces us to look at the way we look at ourselves". The singer notes that they have a "picture" of themselves in their mind, which is not always reflected in stranger's eyes. This prompts them to question their identity and their actions, and whether they are contributing to a system of oppression that has existed for centuries.


The lyrics then delve deeper into the idea of identity and representation. The singer talks about making a "catalog of all of [their] actions" and carrying it with them to remind them of who they are in various contexts. They note that they are aware of their privilege, having never had to deal with the kind of "labeling" that others may face. The song acknowledges that the problems faced by the singer are not unique to the city, but also exist 100 miles north, highlighting that these issues are not limited to a specific geographical location.


Overall, the song "City" by Get Bent is a thought-provoking commentary on identity, privilege, and oppression in urban environments. It raises important questions about how individuals view themselves and how they are viewed by others, and how these concepts can be influenced by society.


Line by Line Meaning

The city's such a crowded place.
Living in the city with so many people makes you reflect on yourself and how you view others.


It forces us to look at the way we look at ourselves,
The city makes us think about how we perceive ourselves and others.


Because who I see in the mirror,
Our own self-image is sometimes different from how others perceive us.


And the picture I have in my mind,
Our mental image of ourselves can be different from our physical appearance.


Isn't always the same thing reflected in stranger's eyes.
Other people's perceptions of us may differ from our own.


Make a catalog of all of my actions.
Record your behavior and analyze it closely to understand your values and the effect you have on others.


Write it down, fold it up, and keep it in my pocket.
Document your actions and carry them with you to remind yourself of your own values.


Hold it close until I can answer the question.
Use these records to understand who you are and how you want to represent yourself.


What do I represent in this context?
Understand your role in society and how you fit into the bigger picture.


(A history of centuries of oppression.)
Acknowledge the historical context of social issues and how it impacts your behavior and identity.


Because I don't know who I am,
Recognize that it's sometimes difficult to figure out your own identity.


Or what it looks like behind the veil,
The context of society can sometimes make it hard to understand yourself and how others view you.


And I've just become a little more aware.
Through introspection, you can gain awareness of your own values and behaviors.


It's a sign of my privilege,
Not having to deal with societal issues like labeling and domination is a sign of privilege.


That I've never had to deal with this kid of labeling.
Some people don't have to deal with societal labels and the issues that come with it.


Take a train ride 100 miles north,
Social issues and dominance aren't restricted by location.


Find the same situations as before.
The same societal issues can be found no matter where you go.


It's a socially created relationship about domination,
Issues like oppression and power imbalances are created by society and social norms.


And a subordinate.
A person who is dominated and oppressed in a social context.


And I don't want any part of it.
Not participating in societal oppression and power struggles.


But everything plays a part in it
Regardless of whether or not you participate, societal issues still exist and affect everyone.




Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

disluxia

who in bridge and tunnel was in this? When I was a junior in high school in 08 i got this and bumped them till i graduated everyday. Still love them these days.

Vectif

coincidence that someone from Bridge and Tunnel was in this! I found this band looking for something else by coincidence, and I also happened to know Bridge and Tunnel aswell. That's crazy.

Burk

@crassisdead I've heard thousandaires but not Bridge & tunnel. I really start to becoming fond of these guys

Dead Broke Rekerds

Get Bent- "Discography" coming soon & available from: www.deadbrokerecords.com

shadowlance194

@crassisdead Is that a dead broke band?

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