Billy Club
U.S. Bombs Lyrics
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His hero was G.I. Joe, loved to change his clothes
Boy Scout blues to screw banaroos to code of silence
Hand of the law has got control guilty of innocence
I'm a compund fracture from the north of ontario
I'm a no taught mannered product of my own
That dunce in the corner said wants to be a cop
Said I'll get you when I grow up Billy Club was on his beat
Noticed in my hand a drink remembers his childhood
Knows that he got me good Billy Club has got his gun it's out
Says to make a move I said," Billy when you gonna
Get over something to prove?"
The lyrics of U.S. Bombs's song "Billy Club" delve into the complexities of power dynamics in society, particularly those within the law enforcement system. The singer, Billy Club, is a young man who dreams of becoming a police officer and idolizes G.I. Joe, a popular toy soldier. However, as he grows up and becomes a real cop, he wields his power in harmful ways. The lyrics suggest that Billy Club is not the hero he thought he would be, but rather someone who abuses his authority by enforcing arbitrary rules and participating in a "code of silence" that protects police brutality and misconduct.
The second verse introduces the singer, who is from northern Ontario and has a rebellious streak. He has been caught smoking in a school bathroom by a fellow student who aspires to be like Billy Club. When the real Billy Club arrives, he uses his power to intimidate the singer, even though he himself carries a drink while on duty. This scene highlights how law enforcement officers can use their authority to control and punish even minor infractions, while ignoring their own mistakes and transgressions.
Overall, the lyrics of "Billy Club" offer a critical perspective on law enforcement and the ways in which power can be abused. They also suggest that the desire for power and control can lead people to make harmful choices and participate in harmful systems.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy club wears a uniform, his dream job's to be a cop
The character Billy Club aspires to be a police officer and dresses in law enforcement attire.
His hero was G.I. Joe, loved to change his clothes
Billy Club looked up to G.I. Joe, a toy soldier who could transform his outfit, representing Billy Club's desire to similarly assume a new identity and become someone else.
Boy Scout blues to screw banaroos to code of silence
Despite being involved in the Boy Scouts, Billy Club is corrupt, engaging in dishonest and illegal activities, and thus must adhere to a code of silence to avoid exposure.
Hand of the law has got control guilty of innocence
With power granted by law enforcement, individuals such as Billy Club can easily manipulate the justice system to incriminate those who may be innocent.
I'm a compound fracture from the north of ontario
The character speaker is from the northern region of Ontario, emphasizing his rough upbringing as represented by the analogy to a compound fracture (a severe break in a bone).
I'm a no taught mannered product of my own
The singer was not taught good manners or morals and was instead shaped by his own experiences.
That dunce in the corner said wants to be a cop
Another individual who is perceived to be foolish by the singer shares Billy Club's aspiration to become a police officer.
Caught me smokin' in the toilet stall
The artist was caught smoking in a bathroom stall, possibly leading to further trouble with the law as represented by Billy Club.
Said I'll get you when I grow up Billy Club was on his beat
Billy Club will utilize his power as a police officer to seek revenge on the artist when he grows up and is able to do so, as he was patrolling the area where the artist was caught smoking.
Noticed in my hand a drink remembers his childhood
Billy Club recalls his own youth when he sees the drink in the artist's hand.
Knows that he got me good Billy Club has got his gun it's out
Billy Club is aware that he has caught the singer in the act and holds him at gunpoint.
Says to make a move I said," Billy when you gonna
Get over something to prove?"
The artist questions Billy Club's motivation for wielding his power and authority by asking him when he will stop trying to prove himself to others through acts of aggression and control.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHIP HANNA, DUANE THOMAS PETERS, JON WICKERSHAM, KERRY MARTINEZ, WADE WALSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind