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Meaner
Hate Dept. Lyrics
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Dizzy nameless hole to gnaw on - did you come?
The new bell cow lays a slap on the old fool
Swear yourself in 'tit for tat' - until we're all cruel
The pig is cleaner - face the crowd
Alone and meaner - take a bow
Who's going to kiss you now?
Take more from who you suck on than you sell
Trace back the tracks behind you and kick the shell
The voice inside is screaming with a broken back
Pry off the fingers clutching to expose the cracks
The pig is cleaner - face the crowd
Alone and meaner - take a bow
Who's going to kiss you now?
The lyrics to Hate Dept.'s song Meaner are intense and thought-provoking. The first few lines suggest a feeling of being too close to something, potentially something unpleasant or uncomfortable. The use of the phrase "dizzy nameless hole to gnaw on" creates a vivid image of something that is both disorienting and without a clear identity. The line "did you come?" could be interpreted in a few different ways, but it could be seen as a metaphor for succumbing to temptation or giving in to base desires.
The next few lines seem to be about power dynamics and the idea of the new taking over from the old. The "new bell cow" is a metaphor for someone who is in charge or becoming more powerful, and they are laying a "slap" on the "old fool." There is a sense of aggression and violence in this image. The following line, "swear yourself in 'tit for tat' - until we're all cruel," suggests that this is part of a cycle or pattern of behavior that will only continue to escalate.
The rest of the lyrics continue in this vein, with lines like "the pig is cleaner - face the crowd" and "alone and meaner - take a bow" painting a picture of someone who is ruthless and willing to step on anyone in order to get ahead. The final line, "who's going to kiss you now?" could be seen as a question about the consequences of living this way. Is it worth it if it means being alone and unloved?
Overall, the lyrics to Meaner are dark and challenging, getting at some uncomfortable truths about power, ambition, and human nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Too close for you to taste it or feel some
The situation is too personal and sensitive for you to fully comprehend
Dizzy nameless hole to gnaw on - did you come?
You are struggling and aimless, and have you reached your desired destination?
The new bell cow lays a slap on the old fool
The newcomer takes over and mockingly ridicules the old authority figure
Swear yourself in 'tit for tat' - until we're all cruel
Taking revenge will only create a cycle of harm and cruelty for everyone involved
Take more from who you suck on than you sell
You are taking advantage of others more than you are contributing to them
Trace back the tracks behind you and kick the shell
Examine your past and reject the barriers holding you back
The voice inside is screaming with a broken back
Your inner self is in agony and despair, struggling to remain intact
Pry off the fingers clutching to expose the cracks
Let go of what is holding you back in order to confront and overcome your weaknesses
The pig is cleaner - face the crowd
Deceive others by making yourself seem more virtuous than you truly are
Alone and meaner - take a bow
Embrace your isolation and cruelty with pride
Who's going to kiss you now?
Who will show you affection now that you have turned to cruelty and deception?
Contributed by Sydney G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.