There are more than one artist named Rough Trade:

1. Rough Trade is… Read Full Bio ↴There are more than one artist named Rough Trade:

1. Rough Trade is a Canadian group, lead by singer Carole Pope and multi-instrumentalist Kevan Staples, which gained success in the 70s and 80s. Their music is filled with themes of catastropic power and dimestore novel smut, entertainingly delivered by Pope's powerful voice.

2. Rough Trade is a punk band from Ålesund, Norway. They released a 7" in 1980, and have been featured on compilations such as "Anarki & kaos" and "Bloodstains Across Norway".

3. Rough Trade is a spoken word artist from Australia that focuses on homoerotic content.

It's A Jungle
Rough Trade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Competition's really tough
Square those shoulder pads
Curl those lips with the cruel slash of scarlet
Prowl the streets like a tigress

Hey sport, it's a jungle out there
It's a jungle, it's a jungle out
It's a jungle, it's a jungle out

It's a jungle, it's a cat fight out there

Claw your way to the top
Drown 'em in clouds of cigarette smoke
Make 'em feel like dirt under your heel
Lure 'em with your animal magnetism

Bawana, it's a jungle out there
It's a jungle, it's a jungle out
It's a jungle, it's a jungle out
It's a jungle, you can crumble out there

Follow the ritual
Captivate them with your conversation
Trap 'em in a compromising situation
Set 'em up for the kill

Hey sport, it's a jungle out there
It's a jungle, it's a jungle out
It's a jungle, it's a jungle out
It's a jungle, an asphalt rumble out there

Tigers, pumas, leopards
Snakes, hyenas, monkeys
Blood-suckers, maniacs, flunkies
It's a jungle out, it's a jungle
It's a jungle, it's a jungle

It's a jungle
It's a jungle

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Rough Trade's song "It's A Jungle" are an exploration of the ruthless and competitive nature of the modern world. The references to tigers, pumas, leopards, snakes, hyenas, and monkeys illustrate the animalistic qualities that are required to survive in such an environment. The opening lines, "Competition's really tough, square those shoulder pads" suggest that in order to succeed, one must be fiercely competitive and willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. This is reinforced by the command, "Claw your way to the top."

The lyrics also highlight the importance of projecting an image of strength and dominance, through the physical posturing of "shoulder pads" and "curling lips with a cruel slash of scarlet." The references to "animal magnetism" and "captivating them with your conversation" suggest that charm and charisma can also be powerful tools in the struggle for success.

Throughout the song, the singer addresses the listener directly, using terms like "sport" and "bawana," which reinforce the idea that the world is a competitive arena, and that those who lack the necessary strength, cunning, and ruthlessness will be left behind to "crumble out there."

Overall, the lyrics suggest that surviving in the modern world requires a combination of animalistic instincts and strategic thinking. The song is a critique of the competitive nature of modern society and suggests that those who want to succeed must be willing to play by its rules.

Line by Line Meaning

Competition's really tough
The level of competition is extremely high

Square those shoulder pads
Stand tall and confident

Curl those lips with the cruel slash of scarlet
Wear red lipstick as a sign of aggression

Prowl the streets like a tigress
Roam the streets like a predatory feline

Hey sport, it's a jungle out there
The world is a harsh and competitive place

Claw your way to the top
Use any means necessary to achieve success

Drown 'em in clouds of cigarette smoke
Make others feel oppressed and powerless

Make 'em feel like dirt under your heel
Treat others with disdain and disrespect

Lure 'em with your animal magnetism
Use your natural charm and sexuality to attract others

Bawana, it's a jungle out there
The world is full of danger and competition

Follow the ritual
Observe the established practices of success