Pretend We're Dead
L7! Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What's up with what's going down
In every city, in every town
Cramping styles is the plan
They've got us in the palm of every hand

When we pretend that we're dead
When we pretend that we're dead
They can't hear a word we've said

When we pretend that we're dead

Turn the tables with our unity
They neither moral nor majority
Wake up and smell the coffee
Or just say no to individuality

When we pretend that we're dead
When we pretend that we're dead
They can't hear a word we've said
When we pretend that we're dead

Come on, come on, come on come on

When we pretend that we're dead
When we pretend that we're dead

They can't hear a word we've said
When we pretend that we're dead

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of L7's song "Pretend We're Dead" highlight the idea of rebellion against societal norms and mainstream culture. The first verse talks about how the people in power have control over us, and the second verse talks about how unity is the key to change the status quo. The chorus, "When we pretend that we're dead, they can't hear a word we've said," suggests that ignoring the expectations of others and focusing on oneself can be a form of protest.

The song's message is one of resistance against conformity and the establishment. The references to "cramping styles" and "individuality" suggest that the band members feel stifled by the pressure to fit into society's expectations. The use of the phrase "pretend we're dead" can be interpreted in several ways, but the most obvious interpretation is that pretending to be dead means ignoring the influences of others and focusing on oneself -- a metaphor for rebelling against conformity.

Overall, "Pretend We're Dead" is about individual freedom, toxic conformity, and the need for change. The vision of L7 is clear: Break free from the shackles of ideology and be whoever you want to be. The song is an anthem of sorts, inspiring listeners to have the courage to stand out and be unique.

Line by Line Meaning

What's up with what's going down
What is happening around us?

In every city, in every town
This is a universal issue affecting everyone.

Cramping styles is the plan
The powers that be want us to conform to their rules.

They've got us in the palm of every hand
We are under their control and being manipulated.

When we pretend that we're dead
When we disengage from their system.

They can't hear a word we've said
They cannot subjugate us if we do not comply.

Turn the tables with our unity
We can overthrow their power through solidarity.

They neither moral nor majority
They do not have righteousness or the numbers to support their authority.

Wake up and smell the coffee
Recognize the reality of the situation.

Or just say no to individuality
Stop prioritizing personal gain over communal well-being.

Come on, come on, come on come on
Join the movement to resist conformity.