Informer
The Business / Dropkick Murphys Lyrics


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[Originally by The Business]

Why'd you give him 18 years
Leave a family drowning in tears
Baby boy baby girl
Now their lives a living hell

Some say it shouldn't be done
But life on the dole ain't no fun
Shouldn't have been done
You're an informer

You didn't have to name him to the law
Just trying to stop from being poor
Hopes the kids will pull through
Without a dad coz of you

Some say it shouldn't be done
But life on the dole ain't no fun




Shouldn't have been done
You're an informer

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Business' song Informer tell a story of regret, guilt and the devastating consequences that can result from choosing to become an informer. The singer addresses an anonymous person who has just informed on someone, leading them to receive an 18-year sentence and leaving their family to suffer. The singer expresses their disgust and anger at the informer, stating that while being on the dole (unemployment benefits) may not be enjoyable, it does not justify the act of betraying someone's trust and causing so much pain. The singer highlights the impact on the family left behind, specifically mentioning a baby boy and girl whose lives are now a "living hell" without their father.


Line by Line Meaning

Why'd you give him 18 years
Asking why the person reported the criminal and made him serve 18 years in prison


Leave a family drowning in tears
The person's actions caused the criminal's family to suffer and grieve


Baby boy baby girl
The criminal's children, who are now left without a father because of the informant's actions


Now their lives a living hell
The children's lives are now difficult and full of hardship without their father


Some say it shouldn't be done
Some people believe that informing on others is not morally correct


But life on the dole ain't no fun
However, living on social welfare is not a fun or desirable option for many people


Shouldn't have been done
The informant's actions should not have been taken


You're an informer
The person is being called out for their role as the informant


You didn't have to name him to the law
The informant could have helped without revealing the criminal's identity to the authorities


Just trying to stop from being poor
The informant acted out of the desire to improve their own financial situation


Hopes the kids will pull through
Despite the informant's actions, they still hope for the best for the criminal's children


Without a dad coz of you
The criminal's children are now fatherless because of the informant's actions




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MICHAEL HUGH FITZSIMONS, STEVE KENT, STEVE WHALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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