The Plan
Pedro the Lion Lyrics
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The workers and bosses are living as one
People are equal people are good
People are working as hard as they should be
It's food for my family and clothes for my kids
The class war is over and everyone wins
It's such a simple plan
To take it like a man
We fought for a decade corruption and greed
It gave me a purpose a reason to breathe
But now that it's over now that we've won
It's back to my bedroom alone with a shot gun
To think of my family no longer compels me
With all things in common they'll manage without me
The lyrics of Pedro the Lion's song "simpleplan" elucidate the idea that the world is working like a utopia. The plants and the factories are running perfectly, the workers and bosses are living together in unity. Equality among people is seen, and everyone is working hard to fulfill their needs. There is no class war anymore; everyone is winning. These things seem like a simple plan. But despite these, the singer is not sure whether he can take it like a man.
The singer has fought for a decade against corruption and greed. Fighting against these gave him a sense of purpose and a reason to survive. However, now that the fight is over, he is all alone with his shotgun in his bedroom. The thought of his family doesn't compel him anymore because they will manage without him. The singer has lost his purpose and the fight gave him something to live for, now that it's over, he's not sure what the future holds.
The song seems to criticize the idea of a utopian society, as it seems unattainable. It questions whether everything can be good for everyone, and whether people can find a purpose beyond fighting for a cause. These ideas have been explored before in literature and other forms of art as well. The song reminds us that it is difficult to create a perfect society and the fight for it is not as glamorous as people make it seem.
Line by Line Meaning
The plants and the factories are perfectly run
The industrial sector is efficient and functions without any issues.
The workers and bosses are living as one
The relationship between the workers and their bosses is harmonious.
People are equal people are good
All people are treated equally and have good intentions.
People are working as hard as they should be
Everyone is putting in the requisite amount of effort towards their work.
It's food for my family and clothes for my kids
The efforts of people are providing sustenance and basic necessities to families.
The class war is over and everyone wins
The conflict between different social classes is resolved and everyone benefits.
It's such a simple plan
The approach to resolving social issues can be uncomplicated.
To take it like a man
One should maintain composure even under adverse circumstances.
But I'm not sure I can
The artist is unsure if they can cope with the aftermath of the conflict.
We fought for a decade corruption and greed
The people have been fighting against corruption and greed for an extended period.
It gave me a purpose a reason to breathe
The struggle provided a sense of meaning and motivation to the singer.
But now that it's over now that we've won
The conflict being resolved has left the artist disoriented.
It's back to my bedroom alone with a shot gun
The singer is feeling isolated and paranoid.
To think of my family no longer compels me
The singer no longer feels the same sense of obligation towards their family.
With all things in common they'll manage without me
Given the communal nature of the society, the family will be taken care of despite the singer's absence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID SHANNON BAZAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charlesbrowningii9475
The song is about a man whose entire life was defined by political struggle and now that his side won he no longer has anything to live for. It's pointing out that victory doesn't always mean happiness and raises the question of whether we've come to define ourselves by our struggles themselves or by the desired outcome(s) of those struggles.
@aaronking2000
Such a sad song. It makes me pretty emotional whenever I listen to it. One of the most accurate portrayals of being suicidal, in my opinion.
@EmbarrassingMySister
it doesn't matter what your perception of this song is, just acknowledge its beauty and creativity
@autoscopy
"Now I have a simpler plan. " This guy is soulcrushing.
@amandavivian2627
congrats on not getting it taken down
@everennui1
"The class war is over, and everyone wins." love it!
@sinr1one
"! 1,2,3,4, ROOOOL Me over I wanna wave at the kids..."
@lisalisagogo1888
david bazen and propagandhi should make a co-album
@Luktus8
i think he is merely making a comment that people cant live with perfection as they are, i dont think he is commenting on a political parties lines, just that we need disfunction, disquiet, agony, pain, purpose, we strive against these things and its at those points the very worst points that we become the truly great humans we can be, but when everything is easy or perfect we lose the desire to be, to work, to strive, to live.
@odelay17
I love to ponder this song. I definitely agree, this song really doesn't strike a political chord to me whatsoever, that is way too shortsighted, to me it's a much deeper meaning. I think the point is the artificial meaning we give our lives through things like politics, work, or even the duty to provide for our family. If all things were never a problem ever again, what meaning is left to life? Again this is a struggle with religion theme, common with PTL. Religion often attempts to provide personal meaning. Some people are so wrapped up in their ultimately arbitrary life events, they forget to stop and find a powerful meaning and purpose in life.