The band gained recognition in the United Kingdom and United States during 2006 and 2007 due to the success of their single "Young Folks", whilst staying virtually unknown in their homeland, Sweden.
Education Circle
Peter Bjorn and John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
still you have to be a gender, not to be alone
it's automatic, the things that are expected of you,
little sister can't be a brute
I wanna shut my ears when you're talking to me, 'cause I
can't act in opposition while I'm down on my knees, all these
already brainwashed before their brain-cells set sail
you better stand up while you pee and you better know why
it's automatic about which subject you're expected to speak
little brother can't be weak
the little boys already know the football rules and when
they hear I don't they think I'm a fool
the little girls are full-grown princesses,
and those who aren't are spaced-out oddities
think about it, does it really upset you so
did you think about those things when you where younger
it doesn't matter, cause those things are always round to
be found
it's all so easy, in your academic little crowd, but when you
get out in the real world,
you're not so proud, of youre opinions
there's no reason to get into debate,
Mr. Revelation came too late
it's getting hard to know what's black or white
it's getting hard to tell my left foot from my right
it's getting hard to say what I'm talking about
but as this angry persona, I have no doubt...
The song "Education Circle" by Peter Bjorn and John discusses the societal norms and expectations that we are automatically subjected to from a young age. The opening lines "we're all on a grey scale in one open zone, still you have to be a gender, not to be alone" highlight the idea that although we are all essentially the same, we still feel the need to conform to specific gender roles and expectations. The song touches upon the fact that there are certain things expected of us from a young age, and these expectations can stifle our true personalities and passions. For example, "little sister can't be a brute" and "little brother can't be weak." The lyrics suggest that these expectations can lead to brainwashing before our brains have even fully developed.
The song then goes on to discuss the reinforcement of these societal expectations in education. The line "you better read your John Gray in this Kentucky fried sty" highlights the idea that education can sometimes be shallow and superficial. The lyrics suggest that young boys are expected to know the rules of football, while young girls are expected to act like princesses or risk being labeled as "spaced-out oddities." The song suggests that these gender roles and societal expectations are deeply ingrained in us and can be difficult to break free from.
Overall, "Education Circle" encourages listeners to think critically about societal norms and expectations and to challenge these expectations when necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
we're all on a grey scale in one open zone,
We are all living in a world without clear distinctions between good and bad, where everyone is exposed to the same things.
still you have to be a gender, not to be alone
Despite living in an open zone, there is still social pressure to conform to gender expectations in order to fit in and avoid loneliness.
it's automatic, the things that are expected of you,
Society expects certain things from us without question or consideration for individuality or personal choices.
little sister can't be a brute
Society imposes gender stereotypes on women and expects them to behave in certain ways.
I wanna shut my ears when you're talking to me, 'cause I
I find it hard to disagree with what you say because I feel powerless and submissive in the face of societal expectations.
can't act in opposition while I'm down on my knees, all these
I am unable to challenge authority or speak my mind because I am afraid of the consequences or do not want to be seen as subversive.
already brainwashed before their brain-cells set sail
Society's messages are so pervasive and ingrained that they are internalized from a very young age, even before individuals can think abstractly or critically.
you better read your John Gray in this Kentucky fried sty
You better conform to societal expectations and attitudes or else you will be ostracized and isolated.
you better stand up while you pee and you better know why
You better show that you conform to the traditional masculine norms or else you will be marginalized and ridiculed.
it's automatic about which subject you're expected to speak
Society deems certain topics as more important or worthy of discussion, and expects individuals to conform to those expectations.
little brother can't be weak
Men are expected to be tough and aggressive, and any sign of vulnerability or weakness is seen as unmanly and undesirable.
the little boys already know the football rules and when
Boys are socialized into certain activities and hobbies that define their masculinity and provide a sense of belonging.
they hear I don't they think I'm a fool
Those who do not conform to traditional gender stereotypes are judged and ridiculed by others who feel insecure and threatened by difference.
the little girls are full-grown princesses,
Girls are expected to be feminine and like princesses, thereby reinforcing traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
and those who aren't are spaced-out oddities
Those who do not conform to traditional gender roles are seen as strange and abnormal, and hence, marginalized and ostracized.
think about it, does it really upset you so
Have you ever questioned the societal norms and pressures that you are subjected to and internalize?
did you think about those things when you where younger
Have you ever reflected on the ways in which you were socialized into certain gender roles and stereotypes and how that has affected you?
it doesn't matter, cause those things are always round to
Even if you did not think or care about these things in the past, they will always be present and affect your life in some way.
be found
Societal expectations and gender roles will continue to exist and influence individuals regardless of their awareness or acceptance of them.
it's all so easy, in your academic little crowd, but when you
It is easy to hold certain beliefs and opinions when you are surrounded by like-minded people who share similar perspectives and experiences, but this changes when you are exposed to diverse attitudes and viewpoints.
get out in the real world,
Real life situations and challenges will test and question your beliefs and assumptions, and force you to reconsider your position and perspective.
you're not so proud, of youre opinions
Your beliefs and opinions may be challenged or even proven wrong, which can make you feel insecure and defensive.
there's no reason to get into debate,
There is no point in arguing or debating about something whose validity and legitimacy are taken for granted and never questioned.
Mr. Revelation came too late
Even if you do realize the arbitrary nature of societal expectations and roles, it may be too late to change or resist them.
it's getting hard to know what's black or white
The lines between right and wrong, good and bad, and traditional and progressive are increasingly blurred and difficult to discern.
it's getting hard to tell my left foot from my right
The confusion and uncertainty about societal expectations and roles make it hard to assert oneself and project a clear sense of identity and purpose.
it's getting hard to say what I'm talking about
The complexity and ambiguity of societal expectations and the role of individuals in it make it challenging to articulate opinions and viewpoints.
but as this angry persona, I have no doubt...
Despite the confusion and uncertainty, there is a sense of anger and indignation towards the oppressive and arbitrary nature of societal expectations and gender roles.
Contributed by Lauren P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@timbeckman1134
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