NO WAY
Mel & Tim Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Entertain the incels
Insulate the incels
Commemorate the incels
Right?!
Nominate the incels
Accommodate the incels
Whatever they’d like
Big biz in the front type
Party in the back type
Take a little bit off the sides
Lookin’ good and feelin’ alright
This country’s on a hayride
This country’s on a backslide
We can’t believe the mess we’ve been through
Think of the shit we’re still gonna do

Propagate the incels
Populate the incels
A Quiverfull of incels
Right?!
Flagellate the incels
Penetrate the incels
Whatever they’d like

Big biz in the front type
Party in the back type
Take a little bit off the sides
Lookin’ good and feelin’ alright
This country’s on a hayride
This country’s on a backslide
We can’t believe the mess we’ve been through
Think of the shit we’re still gonna do

No ways, no means
No way — no means (naw)




The tractor’s going down
But no one’s jumping out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mel & Tim's song "No Way" seem to be portraying a satirical commentary on certain societal issues and the state of the country. The repeated phrases of "Entertain the incels," "Insulate the incels," and "Commemorate the incels" suggest a cynical perspective towards the glorification and accommodation of a particular group of individuals labeled as "incels." The term "incel" refers to individuals who refer to themselves as involuntarily celibate and often express frustration or resentment towards women.


The lyrics continue with phrases like "Nominate the incels" and "Accommodate the incels," indicating a mocking approach towards giving attention and special treatment to this group. The repeated phrase "Whatever they'd like" may be a sarcastic portrayal of society's inclination to cater to the desires and demands of individuals who may feel isolated or rejected, regardless of their intentions or behavior.


The lines "Big biz in the front type, Party in the back type, Take a little bit off the sides, Lookin' good and feelin' alright" may be using the metaphor of a hairstyle to symbolize the façade of appearance and superficiality that exists in society. This could imply that while things may seem well on the surface, there are underlying issues and problems being ignored or dismissed.


The lyrics also touch upon the state of the country, describing it as being on a "hayride" and a "backslide." This could suggest a critical perspective of the current political and social climate, expressing disbelief at the challenges faced and the potential difficulties yet to come. The final lines, "The tractor's going down, but no one's jumping out," possibly indicate a sense of helplessness or lack of action in addressing the problems and issues faced by society.


Overall, the lyrics of "No Way" appear to offer a satirical critique of societal attitudes and actions, particularly in relation to the emphasis on certain groups and the neglect or ignorance of underlying problems. This interpretation highlights the song's intention to provoke thought and reflection on these issues.


Line by Line Meaning

Entertain the incels
Providing amusement and diversion for the involuntary celibates


Insulate the incels
Protecting the incels from outside influences or criticism


Commemorate the incels
Honoring and celebrating the incels' existence


Right?!
Isn't that correct?!


Nominate the incels
Putting the incels forward as candidates or representatives


Accommodate the incels
Making special arrangements or adjustments for the incels' needs


Whatever they’d like
Fulfilling any desires or wishes they may have


Big biz in the front type
Appearing successful and prosperous on the surface


Party in the back type
Engaging in reckless or indulgent behavior behind closed doors


Take a little bit off the sides
Making minor changes or compromises


Lookin’ good and feelin’ alright
Appearing confident and satisfied


This country’s on a hayride
The nation is headed for a rough and unpredictable journey


This country’s on a backslide
The country is regressing or declining


We can’t believe the mess we’ve been through
Expressing disbelief at the chaotic situations already faced


Think of the shit we’re still gonna do
Anticipating and acknowledging the future challenges and difficulties


Propagate the incels
Encouraging the growth and spread of the incel community


Populate the incels
Increasing the number of individuals who identify as incels


A Quiverfull of incels
A large and abundant group of incels


Flagellate the incels
Subjecting the incels to harsh criticism or punishment


Penetrate the incels
Deeply infiltrating and influencing the incel community


No ways, no means
Absolutely not possible, without any chance or method


No way — no means (naw)
Absolutely not, there is no possible way or method


The tractor’s going down
The situation is deteriorating or collapsing


But no one’s jumping out
Despite the worsening situation, nobody is taking action to escape or change it




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Sam Bell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

MrToot87

This was a trip back to my childhood. Love this clip!

Hannibal 2.0

When music was TRULY music. I'm 50 and hearing this for the first time in life. It's just like they made it......

Michelle Preston

Really?? I’m 48 and my mom played music all the time. The old school music is buried in my soul even though I am a child of hip hop.

Monte K

35 here. Great classic

1 More Replies...

Universe B

I love this song since the moment I first heard it watching Watts Stax documentary about 10yrs ago. The words are so beautiful, and endearing I wish they still made songs like this. The 60s & 70s will always be the best decades for music 🎶 for me.

Autumn Aarilyn

This should have crossed over and been a major hit. I find it hard to believe you'd not like this if you like James Taylor. Mel and Tim did have a few that were really big like "Backfield in motion" and "Starting all over again".

David Hogan

Love this song!

Cliff Images

Love this tune!!!!!!

Joseph Blake

Absolutely loved this movie because it loved us right back. This was one of my favorite clips along with The Three Degrees singing a gospel tune that added the extra special flavor to an already flavorful and uniquely Black film. WattStax was indeed the Black version of Woodstock. Spoke to my generation like we were all sitting at the kitchen table having dinner.

Clifford Brown

This song wasn't long enough!

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