Rio De San Atlanta Manitoba
Nasum Lyrics


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Our cities seem to function quite the same:
sweeping ghettos under one big rug makes them easier to contain,
so the upper-middle class can sleep
(or shop in peace)
and convince themselves that "trickle-down" will solve this poverty.
Yes, murderers walk our streets and their weapons are their pens, desks, policies and P.R. campaigns
(fed by the spoils of war)
against the "lazy, shiftless" populations of the poor.
This system cannot be reformed...




(so how about we try something different?)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Nasum's song "Rio De San Atlanta Manitoba" provide a commentary on the socio-economic challenges of our cities today. The lyrics highlight how cities seem to function similarly where sweeping ghettos under one big rug makes the poor easier to contain, so the upper-middle class can shop in peace and believe that "trickle-down" policies will eventually solve poverty. The song reflects on the reality of how murderers walk our streets, whose weapons are their pens, desks, policies, and PR campaigns fed by the spoils of war against the poor. The poor are often referred to as the "lazy, shiftless" populations, which reflects the unjust system that is rigged against them.


The lyrics emphasize that the current system cannot be reformed, and we should try something different. The song suggests a call to action to change the system that perpetuates poverty and the disadvantaged state of certain parts of our cities. As such, the song acts as a message for systemic change and a plea for a more equitable and just society.


Line by Line Meaning

Our cities seem to function quite the same:
The way our cities operate is similar.


sweeping ghettos under one big rug makes them easier to contain,
By hiding ghettos, it's easier to keep them confined.


so the upper-middle class can sleep
By concealing poverty, the upper-middle class can rest easy.


(or shop in peace)
Or indulge in consumerism without feeling guilty.


and convince themselves that "trickle-down" will solve this poverty.
The wealthy convince themselves that their benefits will trickle down and solve poverty.


Yes, murderers walk our streets and their weapons are their pens, desks, policies and P.R. campaigns
Those in power use their influence and propaganda to harm the poor.


(fed by the spoils of war)
With the profits of war fueling their schemes.


against the "lazy, shiftless" populations of the poor.
They demonize the poor as lazy and shiftless to justify their oppression.


This system cannot be reformed...
The current system is beyond repair.


(so how about we try something different?)
(Let's try something new instead.)




Contributed by Alex N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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