Public Defender
S.O.A Lyrics
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You better move quick
He's gonna hit you with a stick
It doesn't matter what you've done
You're gonna suffer for his fun
[Chorus:]
Red, Blue, they're coming for you
Red and Blue they're coming for you
Sirens Revved, you're gonna be dead
Stops your car
Looks inside
Asks you "Where you been tonight?"
Doesn't like you
Everybody knows
Don't like your hair
Don't like your clothes
[Chorus:]
Give the people a load of shit
He doesn't care a fucking bit
... And justice for all but not for you
There's not a fucking thing to do
[Chorus:]
The lyrics of S.O.A's song "Public Defender" highlight the issue of police brutality and the abuse of power by law enforcement officers. The song describes the fear and vulnerability people feel when they encounter police officers who use their authority to intimidate and bully them. The lyrics warn the listener to be cautious when encountering the police because they may use violence without any valid reason. The lines "It doesn't matter what you've done, you're gonna suffer for his fun" emphasize the arbitrary authority of the police.
The chorus of the song, "Red, Blue, they're coming for you, Sirens revved, you're gonna be dead," highlights the fear and danger that the police can pose to the public. The use of sirens gives a sense of urgency and danger, while the repetition of "you're gonna be dead" creates a feeling of inevitability and helplessness. The lyrics also suggest that the police use profiling to identify suspects, by singling out people with certain attributes like hair or clothing.
Overall, "Public Defender" is a powerful critique of police brutality and an anthem for those who have been victims of police abuse. The song is a call to action to demand accountability and respect from law enforcement.
Line by Line Meaning
See 'em coming
Be alert, the authorities are approaching
You better move quick
Act fast to avoid confrontation with the authorities
He's gonna hit you with a stick
The authority figures can use force to control you
It doesn't matter what you've done
Your actions or innocence do not matter to the authorities
You're gonna suffer for his fun
The authorities may derive pleasure from punishing or controlling people
Red, Blue, they're coming for you
The police are coming for you, regardless of the color of their uniform
Sirens revved, you're gonna be dead
The authorities' arrival may signify a death sentence
Stops your car
The authorities can stop you anywhere they wish
Looks inside
The authorities may invade your privacy
Asks you "Where you been tonight?"
The authorities may interrogate you about your activities
Doesn't like you
The authorities may have biases against certain people
Everybody knows
Society is resigned to the authorities' power and biases
Don't like your hair
The authorities can judge people for their appearance
Don't like your clothes
The authorities can judge people for their clothing choices
Give the people a load of shit
The authorities can deceive people with lies and propaganda
He doesn't care a fucking bit
The authorities may not care about the people they are supposed to serve
... And justice for all but not for you
There may be a system of justice, but it may not apply to certain individuals
There's not a fucking thing to do
People might feel powerless against the authorities
Contributed by Michael J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.