The Lunatics
The Specials Lyrics
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Who want to twist the peoples' wrist
They're watching every move we make
We're all included on their list
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
And who am I to disagree
'Cause when the madman flicks a switch
The nuclear will go for me
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
I see the faces of starvation
But I just can not see the points
'Cause there's so much food here today
That no one wants to take away
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
"The Lunatics" by The Specials is a powerful and thought-provoking track that reflects on the state of society and the world at large. The lyrics describe a world that has been overtaken by cynics and madmen who are determined to twist people's wrists and control their every move. The song suggests that these lunatics are in charge and have taken over the asylum.
The opening lines of the song describe a clinic full of cynics who are watching every move that people make. This could be interpreted in various ways, but it likely refers to those in power who are making decisions that benefit them, rather than the people they are supposed to serve. The second verse mentions a "madman" who flicks a switch, which could be a metaphor for a decision that could have catastrophic consequences for the world.
The third and final verse of the song references the faces of starvation and the abundance of food that no one wants to take away. This is likely a commentary on economic inequality and the fact that there is more than enough food to go around, but some people are still starving. Overall, "The Lunatics" is a powerful and thought-provoking track that encourages listeners to think critically about the state of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I see a clinic full of cynics
I observe a place where the people who are supposed to help others, do not have any faith in them.
Who want to twist the peoples' wrist
These same people want to force their opinions on others in a harmful way.
They're watching every move we make
These cynical people are monitoring our lives for their own selfish reasons.
We're all included on their list
These people have their sights set on everyone, no matter who they are.
Go nuclear the cowboy told us
Someone in power suggested to use nuclear weapons as a solution to a problem.
And who am I to disagree
The singer is aware of their less powerful position, and does not wish to protest for fear of the consequences.
'Cause when the madman flicks a switch
When someone who is not in control of their senses triggers something dangerous, the consequences will be catastrophic.
The nuclear will go for me
The artist is aware that their life is at risk due to the actions of others.
I see the faces of starvation
The artist sees the effects of widespread poverty and hunger.
But I just can not see the points
Despite this, the artist does not understand why there is so much food that is not being distributed to those in need.
'Cause there's so much food here today
Despite the existence of hunger, there is an abundance of food available in that place.
That no one wants to take away
However, those in power refuse to distribute the excess food to the people who need it most.
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The people in power are acting recklessly and irresponsibly, endangering the lives of others.
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
This is repeated to reinforce the idea that things have completely spiraled out of control.
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
This is repeated again to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
The lunatics have taken over the asylum
The phrase is repeated one more time for added emphasis before the song ends.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lynval Golding, Terry Hall, Neville Staples
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind