For now a decade the quartet has played numerous gigs through Western Europ… Read Full Bio ↴For now a decade the quartet has played numerous gigs through Western Europe with bands such as The Casualties, The Exploited, Lion's Law or Clowns, to name but a few, and released 4 records: "From Sewers They Come" (2018), "Rats In The Cab" (Split with the US band Johnny Cab, 2019), "Stubborn Rodents" (2021) and "The Ratpack" (2022). Their new album "Abandon Ship" will be out on July 9 2024

Unruly
Rats Don't Sink Lyrics

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Is this a bad joke?
Why should I trade my ass
My life is too short
To work for idiots
You can keep looking for strings
I'll never be your puppet
I'm not this weak minded
My freedom is priceless

Fuck yourself! I won't be a slave
Fuck yourself! I won't be a slave

I'm just free, unruly
I'm just free, unruly

I can't keep a job too long
'Cause I'm a fucking wanker
I'm just a barfly
That is what they all will tell you

Fuck yourself! I won't be a slave
Fuck yourself! I won't be a slave

I won't be a slave
You can fuck yourself
I'll never be a slave
You can fuck yourself

I'll stay unruly till the end

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Unruly" by Rats Don't Sink convey a strong sense of rebellion and defiance against societal norms and authority. The singer questions the absurdity of trading their freedom and dignity for a menial job, expressing a disdain for conforming to the expectations of others. The lines "Is this a bad joke? Why should I trade my ass" reflect the frustration of feeling trapped in a system that values obedience over personal autonomy.

The repetition of the phrase "Fuck yourself! I won't be a slave" emphasizes the singer's determination to resist being controlled or manipulated by others. The refusal to be a puppet or a slave symbolizes a fierce commitment to maintaining independence and self-respect. The declaration "My freedom is priceless" underscores the value the singer places on their autonomy and individuality.

The lyrics also touch upon feelings of alienation and nonconformity, as the singer acknowledges their tendency to struggle with holding down a traditional job. The self-deprecating line "I'm just a barfly" reveals a sense of self-awareness about their unconventional lifestyle and priorities. Despite societal expectations, the singer embraces their identity as someone who doesn't fit neatly into conventional roles.

In the final verse, the repeated assertion "I won't be a slave, You can fuck yourself" encapsulates the song's message of rebellion and self-assertion. The singer's determination to remain "unruly" until the end signifies a commitment to staying true to themselves and rejecting the pressures to conform. Overall, "Unruly" conveys a powerful message of defiance, freedom, and a refusal to be constrained by societal expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

Is this a bad joke?
Am I being taken advantage of?

Why should I trade my ass
Why should I give up my dignity?

My life is too short
Life is too precious

To work for idiots
To work for those who don't appreciate me

You can keep looking for strings
You can try to control me

I'll never be your puppet
I will never be controlled by you

I'm not this weak minded
I am strong-willed

My freedom is priceless
My independence is invaluable

Fuck yourself! I won't be a slave
I refuse to be controlled by you

I'm just free, unruly
I am independent and rebellious

I can't keep a job too long
I struggle to conform to traditional work environments