Current members:
Chris Hannah – vocals, guitar (1986–present)
Jord Samolesky – drums (1986–present)
Todd Kowalski – bass, vocals (1997–present)
Sulynn Hago – guitar, vocals (2015–present)
Former members
Scott Hopper – bass, vocals (1986–89)
Mike Braumeister – bass (1989–91)
John K. Samson – bass, vocals (1991–97)
David Guillas – guitar, vocals (2006–2015)
1993 - How to Clean Everything
1996 - Less Talk, More Rock
2001 - Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes
2005 - Potemkin City Limits
2009 - Supporting Caste
2012 - Failed States
2017 - Victory Lap
Government Cartoons
Propagandhi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics in Propagandhi's song Government Cartoons are a powerful critique of the indoctrination and brainwashing that people are subjected to in their daily lives, especially in the context of government and corporate power. The opening lines allude to the popular, animated TV show, The Flintstones, and the characters of Fred and Barney Rubble, who are portrayed as propaganda agents who are able to indoctrinate and brainwash people within their own homes. The song suggests that these methods are used to keep people in their place, and to create a society where the ruling class is able to maintain their power and control.
The lyrics then shift to a discussion of the importance of respecting those who are in positions of power, such as corporate executives like Mr. Slate. The suggestion is that these individuals are experiencing challenges far beyond what the common person can understand, and that they deserve respect for their efforts. This attitude of respect for power is framed as a form of indoctrination, and the song suggests that it is designed to keep people subservient and obedient.
The song goes on to criticize the way that society pushes individuals into a limited, working-class existence, where they are expected to continue doing the same thing day in and day out without question. The song suggests that this kind of existence is like being trapped in a "state-run cage," where people are simply doing what they're told until they are too old to do anything else. The clear message of the song is that this kind of existence is fundamentally unjust, and that people need to be aware of the ways in which they are being controlled and manipulated.
Line by Line Meaning
when fred and barney rubble (please kill me) indocrinate me in my own home and ?. try to tell me that mr. slate's got it rough on his corporate throne,
The song starts with a sarcastic remembrance of the cartoon characters from the Flintstones being used to indoctrinate the listeners. They are trying to make the point that Mr. Slate, the wealthy business owner, has bigger problems than we could ever understand, and we should respect him for it.
"yeah, mr. slate, boys, has bigger problems than we've ever known, and j ' a man like deserves respect and your respect alone"
The propagandists are trying to convince us that we should look up to the wealthy elite as they must deal with much greater issues than we could ever comprehend.
indocrination to keep you in your place, brainwashing to enslave the human race. they'll j i get you when you're young and forever they embrace (were you dropped as a baby? cuz brains you lack-anthrax)
The song accuses those in power of using propaganda to manipulate and control the masses, starting at a young age, to make them subservient and bound to their will, with no chance of breaking free from their grip.
a gov't self-portrait, an evil we must face (and replace), you've convinced me' that a working class stiff (but a proud one!) is what i am and that for minimum wage in this state-run cage that should always do the best that i can.
The song depicts the government's oppressive nature, which must be combated and replaced. Those in power have convinced us that we are nothing more than cogs in a capitalist system, and we should be happy with the bare minimum provided to us.
just do what i'm told till i'm to old to move my broken, twisted carcass out of bed. don't take a stand, just take commands until i'm dead.
The song highlights how those in power want us to obey their every command until we are no longer able to resist. We should not attempt to fight back but should instead remain submissive until our demise.
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ChungDukes
One of my favorites. Thanks for posting it up!
Mr Niceguy [Future Rave]
Fred and Barney Rubble.. ^^
scottbaylo is 44 and waiting to die
When Propagandhi was good.
the_feature_selector
There a lot better than this now
SaladHands
@the_feature_selector yeah i agree, they might not be the same as they used to be, but they still rip
Andy Schieltz
Yep, they suck now.
3arrows
@Andy Schieltz lmao.