Pretend We're Dead
L7 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on come on
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 (pretend that we're dead)
When we pretend that we're dead (pretend that we're dead)
They can't hear a word we've said (pretend that we're dead)
When we pretend that we're dead (pretend that we're dead)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on come on
When we pretend that we're dead (pretend that we're dead)
When we pretend that we're dead (pretend that we're dead)
They can't hear a word we've said (pretend that we're dead)
When we pretend that we're dead (pretend that we're dead)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Pretend We're Dead by L7 is an anthem for those who are tired of conforming to society's expectations and norms. The song is about rebelling against the status quo and challenging the authority that tries to control our lives. The opening lines suggest that something shady is happening, and it is not just limited to one place but is a universal problem. The second line, "In every city, in every town," implies that the issue is widespread and affecting everyone. The following line, "Cramping styles is the plan," is an indication that someone is trying to prevent us from being ourselves.
The chorus of the song, "When we pretend that we're dead, they can't hear a word we've said," encourages people to rebel and refuse to conform to the societal norms as it is the only way for our voices to be heard. When we pretend to be dead, we are essentially cutting ourselves off from the world, and they underestimate us. The verse "Turn the tables with our unity, they're neither moral nor majority," tells us that we need to unite and take back power because those who hold authority do not have the moral right to control us. The song's message is simple, we need to wake up and smell the coffee; otherwise, we will be trapped in the system, and our individuality will be lost.
Line by Line Meaning
What's up with what's going down
What is happening in our society that is causing all this chaos?
In every city, in every town
This problem is widespread and affects everyone, no matter where they live.
Cramping styles is the plan
Controlling us and limiting our freedom is their strategy.
They've got us in the palm of every hand
They have complete control over us, and we are at their mercy.
When we pretend that we're dead
When we stand together and refuse to participate in their system, we are effectively dead to them.
They can't hear a word we've said
When we don't play their game, they can't manipulate or influence us.
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Encouraging us all to stand together and take action.
Turn the tables with our unity
If we work together, we have the power to change the status quo and take control of our lives.
They neither moral nor majority
They don't have the moral high ground, and they don't represent the majority of people.
Wake up and smell the coffee
We need to open our eyes and face reality.
Or just say no to individuality
We need to reject the idea that individualism is the only way and understand the importance of collective action.
Dead (pretend that we're dead)
Reiterating the idea that by standing together and refusing to participate in their system, we are effectively dead to them.
Dead (come on, come on, come on, come on)
Encouraging us all to take action and stand together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Donita Sparks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fartley Hawgshlong
The L7 song "Scrap" explores themes of identity, rebellion, and self-destruction. The narrator of the song describes a skinhead named Scrap who lives in his friend's garage and spends his days inhaling spray paint fumes. The lyrics suggest that he is searching for something, perhaps a sense of purpose or meaning, but is unable to find it. He meets some Christians from hell and goes on a trip to Las Vegas with them, but ultimately returns to the garage only to find it gone. The song ends with the suggestion that he is now growing his hair and moving on, perhaps to a new phase of his life.
The lyrics use vivid imagery to convey the sense of disorientation and desperation that Scrap feels. The repetition of the line "Grab a paper bag like an oxygen mask / Until your mind starts to gel" suggests that he is constantly seeking some kind of escape or release from his reality. The reference to the "funky dying brain cell" adds a sense of urgency and danger to the situation, emphasizing the potentially harmful effects of his lifestyle.
Overall, "Scrap" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores the darker aspects of human nature. It paints a vivid picture of a troubled individual trying to find his way in a confusing and sometimes hostile world.