Plastic Raincoats/Hung Up Minds
Ultimate Spinach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't look now but some hippie's really gone
Got nothin' to do on a rainy day
Discoteque, the groupies are there
Checkin' out each others' cool-looking hair
You've got nothing to say
Mini skirt doesn't know where to draw the line
(Whoopie ...)
Plastic raincoat means you got a plastic mind
Mini skirt doesn't know where to draw the line
Pretty people, looking bad
Gotta be noticed or you'll make them mad
Gotta be in or else you're out
Hung up earings mean you're hung up inside
Wild-colored jeans to hide the fact that you died
But you tried
(Sock it to 'em ...)
Hung up earings mean you're hung up inside
Wild-colored jeans to hide the fact that you died
But you tried
Nothing people do not the things
Shelve lots of wages that they don't need wings
Aww little hippie you better be devout
Aww, little hippie, yeah
You better be devout
Aww, little hippie, yeah
You better be devout
(Be devout baby ...)
The lyrics of "Plastic Raincoats/Hung Up Minds" by Ultimate Spinach reflect a critique of the superficiality and conformity of 1960s counterculture. The song starts by describing a scene where neon lights flash and a hippie has lost touch with reality. The line "Got nothin' to do on a rainy day" suggests a sense of aimlessness and boredom, perhaps indicating the lack of substance or purpose in these individuals' lives.
The lyrics then shift focus to the discotheque, where groupies and pretty people gather. Here, the song comments on the pressure to conform and be noticed. The line "Plastic raincoat means you got a plastic mind" suggests that those who wear a "plastic raincoat" – a metaphor for superficiality – also have shallow thoughts and lack depth. The mention of a mini skirt not knowing where to draw the line further emphasizes the idea of blurred boundaries and a lack of self-awareness.
Similarly, the second verse discusses individuals who are hung up on their appearances. "Hung up earrings mean you're hung up inside" implies that these people are caught up in external factors and have neglected their inner selves. The line about wild-colored jeans hiding the fact that you died suggests that people use flashy attire as a way to mask their true selves or perhaps to feign a sense of vitality and rebelliousness.
The final verse seems to criticize those who conform mindlessly and follow societal expectations without questioning them. The line "Nothing people do not the things" implies that these individuals are doing things without purpose, collecting unnecessary wealth without the ability to fly freely (the wings metaphor). The chorus repetition of "Aww little hippie, you better be devout" could be seen as a call for these individuals to reevaluate their actions and find a more sincere and meaningful path.
Overall, "Plastic Raincoats/Hung Up Minds" offers a critical perspective on the superficiality, conformity, and lack of substance within counterculture movements of the era.
Line by Line Meaning
Neon lights flash off and on
The ever-changing and superficial nature of the modern world, constantly attracting attention
Don't look now but some hippie's really gone
There is a sense of detachment and loss of authenticity in the counterculture movement
Got nothin' to do on a rainy day
Feeling bored and unfulfilled in the face of uneventful circumstances
Discoteque, the groupies are there
The nightclub scene is filled with superficial people seeking attention and validation
Checkin' out each others' cool-looking hair
People in this environment are focused on superficial appearances and trends
You've got nothing to say
Unable to engage in meaningful conversations or express deeper thoughts or emotions
Plastic raincoat means you got a plastic mind
Wearing a raincoat made of artificial material symbolizes having a superficial and shallow mindset
Mini skirt doesn't know where to draw the line
Wearing a mini skirt without considering limits or boundaries
(Whoopie ...)
Pretty people, looking bad
Attractive individuals presenting themselves in a negative or artificial manner
Gotta be noticed or you'll make them mad
The need for constant attention and validation from others, fearing rejection or disapproval
Gotta be in or else you're out
The fear of being excluded from social circles or deemed irrelevant
Hung up earrings mean you're hung up inside
Wearing earrings that symbolize inner conflicts or emotional attachments
Wild-colored jeans to hide the fact that you died
Wearing vibrant jeans to mask the feeling of emptiness or spiritual death
But you tried
(Sock it to 'em ...)
Nothing people do not the things
Individuals with no genuine purpose or direction in life
Shelve lots of wages that they don't need wings
Accumulating wealth and material possessions as a superficial means of status
Aww little hippie you better be devout
The singer warns the counterculture hippie to remain true to their beliefs and avoid superficiality
Aww, little hippie, yeah
You better be devout
Aww, little hippie, yeah
You better be devout
(Be devout baby ...)
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.