Six of One and Half a Dozen of the Other
The Ex Lyrics
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The old one disappears
Different point of view
But the same things
I will hear
Now it's change of the guard
He will lend him his mask
But the same things
He will do
They're dining together
They argue about the weather
Different points of view
But the same things
They will do
Enters the new minister
The old one disappears
Different point of view
But the same words I still hear
We don't like your conservative, Nationalist, Christian, Socialist teargas
*coughs*
The song "Six of One and Half a Dozen of the Other" by The Ex is a political commentary on the cyclical nature of politics and how the change in power does not necessarily equate to actual change. The lyrics suggest that even though new leaders come and go, they often have the same agendas as their predecessors, just with slightly different presentations. The repeated line "Different point of view, but the same things I will hear/do" emphasizes this idea of superficial differences but underlying similarities in political policies and actions.
The image of the new minister replacing the old one, and the reference to the "mask" that the former will lend the latter, highlights the idea that politicians often try to maintain the status quo and uphold established power structures. The scene of them dining together and arguing about the weather further emphasizes the superficial nature of their differences, as they bicker about something inconsequential while continuing to perpetuate the same policies.
The final line, "We don't like your conservative, Nationalist, Christian, Socialist teargas," made by a character seemingly representing the general public, expresses their dissatisfaction with the political system and the various ideological labels that have failed to bring about meaningful change.
Line by Line Meaning
Enter the new minister
A new leader is coming in to take charge
The old one disappears
The old leader is no longer in power
Different point of view
The new leader has a unique perspective
But the same things I will hear
Despite a new leader, the same messages will be conveyed
Now it's change of the guard
Leadership is being passed to someone else
He will lend him his mask
The old leader will pass on their traits to the new leader
But the same things he will do
Regardless of the new leader, actions will remain consistent
They're dining together
The old and new leader are having a meal together
They argue about the weather
The leaders are disagreeing on something insignificant
But the same things they will do
Ultimately, the leaders will make the same decisions and take the same actions
But the same words I still hear
Despite a change in leadership, the same messages are still being conveyed
We don't like your conservative, Nationalist, Christian, Socialist teargas
An expression of disapproval for the previous leader's policies
Contributed by Savannah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.