Chaos
The 4 Skins Lyrics

Do you remember in 1969?
Starting off with a question about an old memory, establishing a nostalgic tone for the rest of the song.

Seeing all the skinheads standing in a line
Visualizing a group of skinheads, standing together, possibly preparing for something aggressive/menacing.

Foaming at the mouth, Waiting for a fight
Describing the skinheads as being filled with adrenaline and eagerness to engage in conflict.

High boots, cropped hair, what a fucking sight
Noting the distinctive fashion of the skinhead subculture, and perhaps expressing some measure of awe or admiration.

Come back of the skinhead
Asserting the resurgence of the skinhead subculture, implying that it had died out prior to this point.

Come back of the boot
Linking the skinhead subculture with their iconic style of footwear.

People that we don't beat up
Suggesting that there are certain individuals who the skinheads will target with violence/aggression.

We're gonna fucking shoot
Taking the previous line's violence to the next level, making threats against some unnamed group of people.

We are the new breed, we will have our say
Identifying the skinheads as a distinct cultural movement, with their own values and goals.

We are the new breed, we ain't gonna die
Asserting the resilience of the skinhead subculture, suggesting that it will continue to thrive and resist attempts to quash it.

Trouble east London
Highlighting a specific location where conflict is brewing, establishing the song's setting.

Trouble in the street
Expanding upon the idea of conflict from the previous line, making it clear that it's happening in public spaces.

On the street corners
Narrowing the scope of the conflict to specific areas where groups of people tend to gather.

Where the gang still meets
Revealing that this is a situation where organized groups are involved, not just isolated individuals.

Talking about the weekend
Shifting gears slightly, indicating that these groups are not solely focused on causing trouble - they do have social lives and make plans like anyone else.

What they're gonna do?
Picking up on the previous thought, wondering aloud about what these groups might have in store for the weekend.

If you ain't careful
Returning to a more ominous tone, warning the listener that they could become a target if they're not vigilant.

They are gonna do you!
Plainly stating the danger that the previous line hinted at, emphasizing the violence implicit in the subculture being described.

Chaos in the city
Summarizing the song's overarching theme - societal upheaval and the rise of a potentially violent subculture.

Civil war now
Using strong language to convey a sense of societal collapse, almost as if the skinhead subculture is actively fighting against, and trying to replace or overthrow, the established order.

Skinheads taking over
Building on the previous line, further emphasizing the subculture's power and prevalence.

Like skinheads know how
Suggesting that the subculture itself is uniquely equipped to accomplish what the previous lines describe - taking over, creating a chaotic environment, etc.

Skinhead with his boots on
Reiterating the importance of footwear to the subculture being described, while also focusing on a single individual within the crowd.

Nobody's fool
Implying that the skinhead being described is savvy, skilled, and capable of defending themselves against other factions.

Chaos is the rule!
Explicitly stating that the subculture thrives on disorder, and suggesting that this is the guiding principle for those involved in it.

Chaos, chaos, chaos, don't give a toss
Repeating and reinforcing the idea of chaos being embraced by this subculture, and expressing a degree of defiance towards societal norms that would condemn such behavior.

Chaos, chaos, chaos, don't give a toss!
Driving home the previous line's sentiments, using repetition for emphasis.