These Are Not My People
South Joe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never let it be said that their little darlin was a fool.
With a credit card and your good name
You were drawn like a moth to a flame
To the people of the night where you more or less lost your cool
It's been a gas but I'm gonna have to pass
These are not my people no
These are not my people
And it looks like the end my friend
Gotta' get in the wind my friend
Well you find your self naked in the world with no place to hide
And you felt for the pulse of you're god and he had died
Now you're rebels that have got no cause
Lord, you're tigers that have got no claws
Well they promised you the world on a string but you know they lied
Oh, you said you'd be back in a black cadillac limousine
But you know I'm inclined to think it's not the kind you mean
'cause when you fall down from off your cloud
And you're just another face in the crowd
There gonna throw you away like last weeks magazine
Note: repeat its been a gas but I'm gonna have to pass
Before each chorus
South Joe's song, "These Are Not My People," describes the singer's experience of feeling out of place with a group of people he encountered after being sent to the finest school by his parents. The lyrics suggest that these new associates were part of the "people of the night," who entice the singer with a "credit card and [his] good name." However, after spending time with them, he realizes that they are not the type of people he can relate to, and they eventually discard him like a "last week's magazine." The chorus repeats the phrase "These are not my people," emphasizing the singer's sense of alienation.
The lyrics also convey a sense of loss and disillusionment. The singer finds himself "naked in the world with no place to hide" and searches for meaning in his life by turning to religion. In doing so, he discovers that the God he believed in has died, leaving him feeling like a "rebel that has got no cause" and a "tiger that has got no claws." The song suggests that the singer's search for meaning ultimately leads him to reject the false promises of his previous companions and strive to find his true tribe.
Overall, "These Are Not My People" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling in with the wrong crowd and emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, your momma and your poppa sent ya to the finest school
Your parents sent you to a prestigious educational institution.
Never let it be said that their little darlin was a fool.
They want to ensure that their child is recognized as being intelligent and successful.
With a credit card and your good name
You had financial resources and a positive reputation.
You were drawn like a moth to a flame
You were enticed by something dangerous or alluring.
To the people of the night where you more or less lost your cool
You were exposed to a wild and risky scene that caused you to act recklessly.
It's been a gas but I'm gonna have to pass
You had fun, but you need to leave now.
[Chorus]
Refrain from the song that addresses how they are not your people and you need to leave.
Well you find your self naked in the world with no place to hide
You feel exposed and vulnerable without a secure place or identity.
And you felt for the pulse of you're god and he had died
You searched for guidance or meaning from your belief system, but it failed you.
Now you're rebels that have got no cause
You are involved in a rebellion without a clear purpose or goal.
Lord, you're tigers that have got no claws
You are powerful but unable to defend yourself or take action.
Well they promised you the world on a string but you know they lied
You were deceived by promises of success and happiness that were untrue.
Oh, you said you'd be back in a black cadillac limousine
You claimed you would return in a luxurious vehicle.
But you know I'm inclined to think it's not the kind you mean
The singer doubts that you will come back as you expect.
'cause when you fall down from off your cloud
When you face failure or disappointment.
And you're just another face in the crowd
You are unremarkable and undistinguished.
There gonna throw you away like last weeks magazine
Others will discard you as worthless or unimportant.
Note: repeat its been a gas but I'm gonna have to pass
The song repeats its previous line.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EdOfTheNorth
Your lyrics are messed up.
@333ohmy
EdOfTheNorth you are right! I just copied them from a site. I just changed them so they are right now! Thank you!!!
@PVPSYCHOS
We both know (talkin' to you, Ron) that Johnny Rivers recorded the definitive version of this song