Can
Richard Thompson Lyrics

I started to cry, they put gin in my cup
I was emotional and vulnerable, but those around me exploited my weakness by intoxicating me

I started to crawl, and they swaddled me up
I attempted to escape the situation, but they prevented me from doing so and kept me under their control

I got up and run, they said "Easy, son, Play up, play the game"
I tried to resist the pressure and expectations put on me, but they urged me to conform and accept the status quo

They told me to think and forget what I'd heard
They wanted me to ignore their wrongdoings and maintain their desired narrative

They told me to lie and they questioned my word
They coerced me into deception and doubted my honesty when it didn't align with their agenda

They told me to fail, better sink than sail, Just play the game
They discouraged me from taking risks and pursuing success, instead favoring complacency and obedience

Oh, towers will tumble and locusts will visit the land
Destruction and suffering will come to those who refuse to acknowledge their wrongdoing

Oh, a curse on your house and your children and the fruit of your hand
Their actions will have lasting consequences on future generations

They said "You can't win You can't win You sweat blood You give in You can't win. You can't win Turn the cheek Take it on the chin Don't you dare do this Don't you dare do that" We shoot down dreams, We stiletto in the back Oh the nerve of some people, The nerve of some people, The nerve of some
They repeatedly reinforced their message of oppression and conformity, while undermining the aspirations and individuality of others

I don't know who you think you are, Who you think you are
I question their authority and motives, not understanding why they feel entitled to oppress and control others

Oh what kind of mother would hamstring her sons? Throw sand in their eyes and put ice on their tongues Ah better to leave than stay here and grieve And play the game
It is unthinkable for a mother to deliberately harm her children and prevent them from speaking their truth. It's preferable to leave and seek freedom than to stay and suffer under their oppression

Don't waken the dead as you sleepwalk around If you have a dream, brother, hush, not a sound Just stand there and rust, die if you must But play the game
Don't bring up past injustices or challenge their power as you navigate through life without purpose or ambition. Even if it kills you, don't resist their control and oppression

Oh, if we can't have it, Why should a wretch like you? Oh, it was drilled in our heads, Now we drill it into your head too
They deprive others of success and happiness if they cannot achieve it themselves. They seek to indoctrinate others with their harmful beliefs, perpetuating a cycle of oppression and control

The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people
Repeatedly highlighting the audacity and entitlement of those who seek to oppress and control others