Straight Jacket
The Angels Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Brewster-Neeson-Brewster)
He comes from a wasteland where stones misdeed into the night
They pretend they feed him, then shoot him down in the
Search light
They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket
Wearing his straight jacket, taking his pay back in scars
She lies beside him and tells him that life's not too hard
They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket
Caught by the fear and the anger of all you despise
Wanting the feeling of eden, you've learnt how to die
------------------------------------------------------------
He comes from the wasteland
Where stone streets lead into the night
They greet him and feed him
Then shoot him down in their searchlight

They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket

Wearing his straight jacket
Taking his pay packet scars
She lies beside him and
Tells him that life's not too hard

They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket
They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket

Caught by the fear and the
Anger of all you despise
Wall in the feelin' revealing
You've learned how to die

They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket
They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them
Dressing you up in a straight jacket





Straight jacket (repeat)

Overall Meaning

The Angels' song "Straight Jacket" is about the oppressive nature of society and the pressure to conform to its expectations. The first verse describes a wasteland where the singer is fed lies and then shot down when he tries to resist. The second verse describes a person wearing a straight jacket, taking payback in scars, while his partner tries to reassure him that life isn't too hard. The chorus repeats the idea of people putting words in your mouth and dressing you up in a straight jacket. The final verse describes feeling caught by fear and anger, wanting to escape to a better place but feeling trapped and unable to do so.


The song was written by The Angels' guitarists John and Rick Brewster and lead singer Doc Neeson. It was produced by George Young, the older brother of AC/DC's Malcolm and Angus Young. "Straight Jacket" was released in 1983 and reached #20 on the Australian charts. It appeared on The Angels' album "Watch The Red" and was later included on their compilation album "Greatest Hits". The band performed the song on the Australian television show "Countdown" in 1983.


Line by Line Meaning

He comes from a wasteland where stones misdeed into the night
He comes from a desolate place where the streets are empty and lifeless.


They pretend they feed him, then shoot him down in the Search light
They offer him a false sense of security, only to betray him when he's vulnerable.


They're putting words in your mouth so you talk like them Dressing you up in a straight jacket
They control you by manipulating your thoughts and actions, forcing you to conform to their standards and expectations.


Wearing his straight jacket, taking his pay back in scars She lies beside him and tells him that life's not too hard
He's deeply wounded and hurt by the system, but she tries to comfort and reassure him that life is still worth living.


Caught by the fear and the anger of all you despise Wanting the feeling of eden, you've learnt how to die
You're consumed by fear and anger towards everything you hate, and you've become numb to the idea of death, seeking escape from your pain.


Straight jacket (repeat)
The idea of being trapped and controlled by the system is repeated, emphasizing the main theme of the song.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RICHARD BREWSTER-JONES, JOHN CARRINGTON BREWSTER-JONES, BERNARD PATRICK NEESON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@grahamematthews388

I saw the Angels in a small Sydney pub in 1978...same pub I saw ACDC with Bonn Scott. Doc and the boys rocked it hard. I was close to the stage when Doc spat water over the crowd...it was like I was blessed with holy water!! Those days of pub bands are gone, but the memories remain with the mates I'll never forget. Long live Aussie rock pub bands.

@fredpayne6260

Best live band I ever saw. Years later, I saw them on a double bill,
with ACDC (they were all mates)& both bands were fantastic.

@imanenigma3348

Great Aussie rock and roll!
Doc was a dynamic front man.
Loud and fast.
Thanks for the memories boys.

@marioargal6027

Greatest Aussi band ever.been listening to them since i was16 years old. And today sound as great as ever.RIP Doc. Keep on rocking em all up there. I'll see ya when i get there. Keep on rocking mate.

@aflsteve9139

The first time I saw the Angels they had Chisel "opening" for them on the Pooled Resources tour. What a night that was and what a great time to be growing up and seeing those 2 bands plus the likes of the Oils, Tatts etc playing live regularly. That pub rock era was gold.

@NeverSoLive

That ladies and gentlemen is how the best live band ever does it!

@dennisperin2989

Love the Brewster Bro’s. maybe the most underrated band all time.

@stephenlancaster7038

@Dennis Perin correct buddy

@stephenlancaster7038

@Dennis Perin correct

@whitscottlaw461

Saw the Angels (Angel City as they were known in North America) in December 1979 at Pantages Playhouse Theatre in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada - row 7 dead centre. One of the best shows I have ever seen. Straight Jacket was the highlight of the show for me. Doc was mesmerizing. His stage presence demanded your attention. The band, the music, the venue - it was one terrific evening, but Doc was absolutely awesome. What a tremendous loss for the entertainment world. RIP Doc. Had always hoped to "see your face again".

More Comments

More Versions