The Interrupters are an American ska punk band formed in Los Angeles, Calif… Read Full Bio ↴The Interrupters are an American ska punk band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2011. The band comprises lead vocalist Aimee Interrupter, drummer Jesse Bivona, bassist Justin Bivona, and guitarist Kevin Bivona. They have released four studio albums. The latest, In the Wild, was released in 2022, along with the album's lead single, "Raised by Wolves"

Can't Be Trusted
The Interrupters Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Can't be trusted! Can't be trusted!
Can't be trusted!
I don't trust no-one running my middle with a loaded gun

(can you trust it) Oh the CIA
(can you trust it) They wanna put me away
(can you trust it) Oh the FBI
(can you trust it) They send another spy

(can you trust it) Oh the TSA
(can you trust it) Get your hands off me!

Can't be trusted! Can't be trusted!
Can't be trusted!
I don't trust no-one running my middle with a loaded gun

There's no judge, no jury
Patriot act took the liberty
Tapping out phones working down outdoor
Waiting on the people of the civil war
Yeah you! It is a police state!?

Can't be trusted! Can't be trusted!
Can't be trusted!
I don't trust no-one running my middle with a loaded gun

(can you trust it) Oh the CIA
(can you trust it) They wanna put me away
(can you trust it) Oh the FBI
(can you trust it) They send another spy
(can you trust it) Oh the TSA
(can you trust it) Get your hands off me!

Can't be trusted! Can't be trusted!

Can't be trusted!
I don't trust no-one running my middle with a loaded gun

Overall Meaning

The Interrupters' song, "Can't Be Trusted" is a politically charged critique of the US government and its various agencies. The singer in the song expresses their mistrust and fear of these organizations, particularly the CIA, FBI, and TSA. The repeated refrain of "Can't be trusted" drives home the message that those in power cannot be relied upon to act in the best interests of the people.

The opening line, "I don't trust no-one running my middle with a loaded gun," is a metaphor for the government's control over citizens through their power and authority. The singer feels that they are constantly under threat from those who hold this power.

The subsequent verses call out specific government agencies and their actions, such as wiretapping and spying on citizens, and the implementation of the Patriot Act, which the singer sees as a violation of their civil liberties. The repeated refrain throughout the song emphasizes the overarching theme of distrust in the government and its institutions.

Overall, "Can't Be Trusted" is a powerful call to action for citizens to question authority and be vigilant in protecting their rights and freedoms.

Line by Line Meaning

Can't be trusted! Can't be trusted!
The singer emphasizes that he/she cannot trust anyone.

Can't be trusted!
The singer reiterates that he/she cannot trust anyone.

I don't trust no-one running my middle with a loaded gun
The singer expresses distrust in the people who have control over his/her safety, especially those who carry weapons.

(can you trust it) Oh the CIA
The singer questions whether the CIA can be trusted, implying that they may have questionable motives.

(can you trust it) They wanna put me away
The singer expresses suspicion of the CIA's intentions with regards to his/her safety.

(can you trust it) Oh the FBI
The singer questions whether the FBI can be trusted, implying that they may have questionable motives.

(can you trust it) They send another spy
The singer expresses suspicion of the FBI's actions with regards to his/her safety and privacy.

(can you trust it) Oh the TSA
The singer questions whether the TSA can be trusted, especially with regards to their physical handling of passengers.

(can you trust it) Get your hands off me!
The singer is frustrated with the TSA's physical handling and searches, believing that they do not have the right to touch him/her in that manner.

There's no judge, no jury
The singer acknowledges that certain people or organizations have too much control and power over people's lives, to the point that they bypass the justice system entirely.

Patriot act took the liberty
The singer believes that the Patriot Act, a piece of legislation that grants the government broad surveillance powers, has infringed on people's rights and freedoms.

Tapping out phones working down outdoor
The singer believes that the government is illegally monitoring people's private conversations and activities without their consent or knowledge.

Waiting on the people of the civil war
The singer may be hinting that a revolution or uprising is necessary to protect people's rights and freedoms.

Yeah you! It is a police state!?
The singer challenges the listener to question whether the current state of society is one where the government has excessive control over people's lives and freedoms.

Writer(s): Timothy Armstrong, Kevin Bivona, Jesse Bivona, Justin Bivona, Aimee Allen

Contributed by Declan E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS