Although Uncle Tupelo broke up before it achieved commercial success, the band is renowned for its impact on the alternative country music scene. The group's first album, No Depression, became a byword for the genre and was widely influential. Uncle Tupelo's sound was unlike popular country music of the time, drawing inspiration from styles as diverse as the hardcore punk of The Minutemen and the country instrumentation and harmony of the Carter Family and Hank Williams. Farrar and Tweedy lyrics frequently referenced Middle America and the working class of Belleville.
Criminals
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics
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Those that bleed the blood
And those that work to will it
Can't believe the big screen
There's no justice in the hall
We're all criminals waiting to be called
We've got shackles to keep the laws
They want us kinder and gentler at their feet
They say don't step off the sidewalk
And don't cross over the line
But we'll serve time at night
When the light begins to dim
When the smoke seems to clear
You can say what you want
We're all criminals here
How many times will the teeth bite the tongue looking for salvage in the damage that's done
I searched for you every place I thought I knew still we're criminals looking for something to do
The Uncle Tupelo song "Criminals" is a powerful critique of the justice system and society at large. The first verse suggests that there are two types of people in the world: those who bleed the blood (i.e. those who are victimized) and those who work to will it (i.e. those who are responsible for the victimization). The lyrics go on to suggest that there is no justice to be found in the "big screen" (i.e. movies and television) and that we are all criminals waiting to be called.
The second verse is even more scathing, portraying the law as a set of shackles put in place by powerful men who have bought and sold themselves. The message here is that the law is not impartial or fair, but rather something that is used to control the powerless. The final lines of the song suggest that, despite the best efforts of those in power, we are all still criminals looking for something to do.
Overall, "Criminals" is a powerful statement on the state of society and the flaws of the justice system. It calls attention to the fact that justice is not always served and that those in power often use it to control those who are not. It's a deeply political song that still resonates today.
Line by Line Meaning
We've got two kinds here
There are two kinds of people in this world
Those that bleed the blood
One kind of people are those who suffer from violence and oppression
And those that work to will it
The other kind of people are those who create the bloodshed and exploitation
Can't believe the big screen
I can't trust the media or the propaganda they show
There's no justice in the hall
The court system is corrupt and unfair
We're all criminals waiting to be called
We are all seen as criminals and potential targets by those in power
We've got shackles to keep the laws
We are enslaved by the laws created by those in power
Made by men who bought and sold themselves with not a prayer to keep their powers at bay
These laws are created by corrupt individuals who have sold their souls and don't care about justice
They want us kinder and gentler at their feet
Those in power want us to be submissive and obedient to their commands
They say don't step off the sidewalk
The laws restrict our freedom and movement
And don't cross over the line
We are not allowed to challenge the status quo
But we'll serve time at night
We will suffer the consequences of our rebellion and nonconformity
When the light begins to dim
When the truth is revealed and the facade of justice fades away
When the smoke seems to clear
When the chaos and turmoil settle down
You can say what you want
You can voice your opinion and speak the truth
We're all criminals here
But at the end of the day, we are all labeled as criminals by those in power
How many times will the teeth bite the tongue looking for salvage in the damage that's done
How many times will we try to make the best of a bad situation?
I searched for you every place I thought I knew still we're criminals looking for something to do
I have searched for meaning and direction in my life, but still feel like a criminal with no purpose
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAY STUART FARRAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind