Sewer Rats
Rats Don't Sink Lyrics

The lyrics to Rats Don't Sink's "Sewer Rats" convey a compelling narrative of struggle, identity, and dehumanization, layered with socio-political commentary. The repeated phrase "just sewer rats" serves as a powerful refrain that encapsulates the singer's feeling of being marginalized and devalued by society. The juxtaposition of fighting for survival against the inevitability of destruction suggests a sense of hopelessness and resignation in the face of systemic oppression. The “gallows” symbolize death and punishment, while the act of fighting indicates a relentless struggle for existence, despite knowing that it might lead to their own downfall. This duality expresses the tension between resilience and despair, illuminating the challenges that those within this marginalized group face daily.

The lyrics also highlight the stark divide between the "them" and "us," illustrating an inherent social hierarchy. The line "They remind us we're not like them" emphasizes the alienation imposed on the singer by the ruling class, who view them derogatorily as "sewer rats." This metaphor is rich with connotations; it suggests filthiness, treachery, and worthlessness—qualities that society unjustly attributes to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. By labeling themselves as "sewer rats," the singers are openly acknowledging the derogatory view of their existence, while simultaneously owning that identity as a form of rebellion against the stigma. It speaks to the internalized oppression experienced by those who are repeatedly told they are lesser human beings, a powerful sentiment that resonates deeply in contemporary discussions about class and social inequality.

Further into the song, the imagery of being "worthless pawns on their chessboard" and "just numbers in a balance sheet" extends the critique of how systems of power reduce human lives to mere statistics. This commodification of individuals reflects a harsh reality in which people are often viewed through a transactional lens, stripped of their individuality and intrinsic value. The metaphor of being pawns suggests that their lives are manipulated by more powerful entities, with decisions made far beyond their control. This interpretation points to a society that thrives on exploitation, where the 'sewer rats' are expendable, discarded at the first sign of inconvenience, highlighting the fragility of their existence within a brutal economic and social machine.

In the concluding repetitions of "We ain't nothing but sewer rats! Scum!", there is a transformation of despair into a rallying cry of defiance. Although the notion of being seen as 'scum' is inherently demeaning, the insistence on owning that identity suggests a reclamation of power—an assertion of their existence against the oppressive structures that seek to silence them. This dichotomy serves as a potent reminder of the need for solidarity among the downtrodden. The repetition underscores a communal identity formed in adversity, implying that while they may be considered less by the dominant forces in society, they are united in their struggle and resilience. Ultimately, "Sewer Rats" resounds as a testament to the persistence of those who fight to be acknowledged, respected, and valued, no matter the labels society imposes upon them.