Sale of the Century
Satellites Lyrics


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It's the modern way a sign of the times 21st century
Just how it is tradition ritual
Handshakes behind heavy doors we don't see
Friends in high places fat leather faces talking at me

It's the sale of the century everything must go
Heritage, history everything must go
It's the sale of the century everything must go
A once in a lifetime bargain

Going once ladies and gentlemen
This is your last chance now going twice
Sold to the man with suntan and interpreter
With his eyes closed

It's the sale of the century everything must go
Heritage, history everything must go
It's the sale of the century everything must go
All pride and dignity, heritage, history
A once in a lifetime bargain

It's the sale of the century everything must go
It's the sale of the century everything must go

All pride and dignity, heritage, history
Once in a lifetime

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Satellites' song "Sale of the Century" comment on the modern way of doing things, specifically business deals and the selling off of cultural heritage and history. The opening lines depict this as a current trend, a "sign of the times" in the 21st century. The use of the phrase "just how it is" reinforces the idea that this kind of transaction has become deeply ingrained in our culture. The second line, "tradition ritual," suggests that even though this may be a newer phenomenon, it has already become established as a tradition in itself.


The next lines describe a scene where deals are made behind closed doors among people with power and influence. The use of alliteration in "fat leather faces talking at me" emphasizes the unsavory and corrupt nature of these transactions. The chorus repeats the phrase "sale of the century," emphasizing the scale of what is being sold off - not just one historical artifact or piece of land, but all of it. The repetition also has a hypnotic quality, perhaps suggesting how easily we can become entranced by the idea of a bargain.


The bridge section of the song mimics an auctioneer's chant, complete with calls of "going once" and "going twice." The image of "the man with suntan and interpreter / with his eyes closed" may evoke images of wealthy investors from foreign countries purchasing land, buildings, or other cultural artifacts without fully understanding the significance of what they are acquiring. The final repetition of "once in a lifetime" suggests that this is a rare opportunity, but also that once it's gone, it's lost forever.


Line by Line Meaning

It's the modern way a sign of the times 21st century
This is the modern way things are done, a reflection of the current era we live in.


Just how it is tradition ritual
This is how things have always been done, following traditional and ritualistic behaviors.


Handshakes behind heavy doors we don't see
Secret deals are made behind closed doors, away from the public's knowledge or scrutiny.


Friends in high places fat leather faces talking at me
Wealthy and influential individuals holding power in society are trying to sway me through their persuasive speeches and expressions.


It's the sale of the century everything must go
This is the biggest sale of our time, where everything is up for grabs, nothing is off-limits for selling.


Heritage, history everything must go
Even the most valuable items such as heritage and history do not hold value in this sale, and everything must be sold off.


A once in a lifetime bargain
This is a deal that only comes once in a lifetime, and we should make the most out of it.


Going once ladies and gentlemen
This is our first and only attempt to sell this item, calling for potential buyers to begin placing their bids.


This is your last chance now going twice
This is the final warning before the item is officially sold, giving a last chance to those who are still contemplating placing a bid.


Sold to the man with suntan and interpreter
The item has been sold, and the buyer is revealed to be someone who appears wealthy and exotic, requiring an interpreter to communicate.


With his eyes closed
The buyer did not even need to view the item before purchasing it, showing how little value was placed on the item itself.


All pride and dignity, heritage, history
In this sale, all values that were once held in high esteem such as pride, dignity, heritage, and history have all been sold off and ceased to hold any importance.


Once in a lifetime bargain
This is another reminder that this sale is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we should take advantage of.




Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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