Crime Of The Century
Supertramp (Crime Of The Century) Lyrics
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Well what will it be?
Read all about their schemes and adventuring
It's well worth a fee
So roll up and see
And they rape the universe
How they've gone from bad to worse
Who are these men of lust, greed, and glory?
But that's no right oh no, what's the story?
But there's you and there's me
That can't be right
The song "Crime of the Century" by Supertramp is a social commentary on the corruption and greed of individuals who are willing to go to any lengths for their own selfish gains. The first line establishes the main theme of the song: a group of people is planning a crime of great magnitude. While the specific nature of the crime is not revealed, the implication is that it is something significant enough to be referred to as "the crime of the century."
The second line, "Well what will it be?" suggests how the society is complacent and comfortable with these kinds of decisions to the point where it does not seem to be surprising or unusual. The next lines describe the individuals behind the scheme as lustful, greedy, and glory-seeking. The use of the word 'rape' in the line "And they rape the universe" signifies the enormity and callousness of their actions towards the world. It also signifies that these people are not just corrupt themselves, but their actions can have a devastating impact on the world at large.
The final lines of the song bring in the listener's perspective. The singer cannot fathom how this kind of behavior can be 'right,' and the listener is asked to question the morality of these individuals. The line "That's no right oh no, what's the story?" suggests that there must be more to the story and encourages the listener to look deeper into the situation. Overall, the song uses powerful imagery and metaphors to emphasize the destructive nature of greed and corruption and urges individuals to question the actions of those in power.
Line by Line Meaning
Now they're planning the crime of the century
A group of individuals are currently devising a scheme that is deemed to be the biggest crime of the century.
Well what will it be?
The nature of the crime is not yet revealed, leaving the audience intrigued.
Read all about their schemes and adventuring
Details about the plan have been published, and it is worth paying to learn more about it.
It's well worth a fee
The information about the scheme is valuable, and worth paying for.
So roll up and see
Attend and witness the unfolding of the biggest crime that is about to take place.
And they rape the universe
The individuals responsible for the crime are causing damage on a large scale and to the world as a whole.
How they've gone from bad to worse
The perpetrators have been continuously declining morally and ethically in terms of their actions.
Who are these men of lust, greed, and glory?
Who are the individuals behind the scheme, what motivates them, and what drives their impulses?
Rip off the masks and let see
Unveil who the people behind the plan are and expose their true identity and intentions.
But that's no right oh no, what's the story?
Some parts of the scheme do not feel legitimate, leaving the audience to question what is truly going on.
But there's you and there's me
Ultimately, ordinary individuals must stand up to the injustice and make a change.
That can't be right
The audience refuses to accept the unethical plan, and seek to address the wrong being done.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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