Straight Jacket
The Angels Lyrics


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(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
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