… Read Full Bio ↴A description from the band's official site www.cathysantonies.com:
"Based in Chicago, Illinois, The Cathy Santonies are bringing back simple rock n roll and it’s about time! [They are] cocky, loud, full of wild energy, and catchy as hell. [Their] music is a subversive mix of riot grrrl & cock rock...
Mojo Santoni bangs out solid, catchy riffs and mindblowing solos in a way that will make you want to run home to mommy. The band’s message of girl rock revolution is impossible to ignore thanks to Radio Santoni’s powerful and unique voice. And, Mike “Johnny” Swanko beats the shit out of his drums with a passion and energy reminiscent of a time when rock n roll was new and dangerous."
Power
The Cathy Santonies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
who has the power
it’s not you it’s not me
who else can it be
they pit us against each other
(yeah we’ve been framed they set us up)
they try to tell me you are wrong
we’re both on the bottom of the pyramid
we hold them up and make them strong
false imbalances created
(yeah we’ve been framed they set us up)
on separate sides of the line
(no way no way no way)
you can’t take notice of their privilege
cuz youre too busy being jealous of mine
we gotta see what’s goin on
we gotta see we’re being used
we gotta see they’re messin us up
we gotta see we gotta see we gotta seeeeee
The Cathy Santonies's song "Power" is a powerful commentary on the societal structures that pit individuals against one another, distracting them from the true source of imbalance and control in society. The lyrics begin with a repeated question: "who has the power?" This simple question exposes the fact that power is not distributed equally in society, and sets the tone for the rest of the song's critique. The next line, "it's not you it's not me," suggests that the source of power is external to the individuals involved.
The next lines of the song expose the tactics used to keep people from seeing the truth of their situation. "They pit us against each other," the song declares, "they try to tell me you are wrong." This manipulation creates false imbalances that keep people from recognizing that they are both at the bottom of the pyramid, and that together they hold up those who have more power. Instead, people are encouraged to be jealous of each other's perceived advantages, unable to see the larger structure that keeps them both down.
The song's call to action is clear: "we gotta see what's goin on." By recognizing the ways in which the powerful manipulate the less powerful, individuals can start to resist that manipulation and work towards a more equitable distribution of power. The repetition of "we gotta see" creates a sense of urgency, urging listeners to take action and fight against the false imbalances that keep them from realizing their full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
who has the power
Questioning who holds the ultimate power in society.
who has the power
Reiterating the question about power.
it’s not you it’s not me
Acknowledging that neither the singer nor the listener have the ultimate power.
who else can it be
Asking who else could hold the power if it's not the artist or the listener.
they pit us against each other
Describing how those in power divide and conquer the masses by creating conflict between them.
(yeah we’ve been framed they set us up)
Asserting that the conflict between the singer and the listener is not natural, but has been orchestrated by those in power.
they try to tell me you are wrong
Noting that those in power strive to create division by telling one group they are right and the other is wrong.
(no way no way no way)
Disagreeing with the idea that the listener is wrong.
we’re both on the bottom of the pyramid
Recognizing that the artist and the listener are both at a disadvantage in society.
we hold them up and make them strong
Highlighting the idea that those in power rely on the masses to maintain their position.
false imbalances created
Asserting that the current power dynamic is not natural, but has been manufactured.
(yeah we’ve been framed they set us up)
Reiterating that the power dynamic is not natural, but has been manipulated.
on separate sides of the line
Describing how society has created divisions among the masses.
(no way no way no way)
Rejecting the idea that the singer and the listener should be on opposite sides of the divide.
you can’t take notice of their privilege
Pointing out that those in power benefit from their position, but rarely acknowledge it.
cuz youre too busy being jealous of mine
Suggesting that the masses are too distracted by their perceived differences to recognize their shared struggle.
we gotta see what’s goin on
Urging the listener to become aware of the power dynamic at play.
we gotta see we’re being used
Encouraging the listener to recognize that those in power benefit at the expense of the masses.
we gotta see they’re messin us up
Arguing that those in power are actively harming the masses.
we gotta see we gotta see we gotta seeeeee
Reiterating the urgency of becoming aware of the power dynamic and taking action to change it.
Contributed by Austin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.