Police Story
Rebellion Against Authority: Black Flag's "Police Story
Lyrics
Fucking city is run by pigs
The city is corrupt and controlled by oppressive figures, possibly referring to law enforcement ("pigs").
They take the rights away from all the kids
The authorities strip away the rights of young people.
Understand that we're fighting a war we can't win
A realization that there is a futile war against the oppressive system.
They hate us, we hate them
There is mutual animosity between the oppressive authorities and the rebellious youth.
We can't win, no way, aah
Expressing the belief that victory is impossible.
Walk down the street
Describing a defiant act of walking down the street.
I flip them off
Openly showing disrespect, possibly through a gesture like flipping someone off.
They hit me across the head with a billyclub
Consequences of the defiance – getting physically attacked by the authorities.
Understand, we're fighting a war we can't win
Reiteration of the unwinnable nature of the conflict against the authorities.
They hate us, we hate them
Continuation of the hostility between the two sides.
Nothing I do, nothing I say
Frustration at the futility of personal actions against the oppressive system.
I tell them to go get fucked
Defiant response to authority, leading to punishment.
They put me away
The consequence of defiance is imprisonment or restriction of freedom.
Understand, we're fighting a war we can't win
Reiteration of the unwinnable war against the oppressive system.
They hate us, we hate them
Continued mutual hatred between the rebellious and the authorities.
We can't win, no way
Reiteration of the belief that victory is impossible.
Gonna fucking pay, motherfuckers gonna pay
A vow that those in power will face consequences or retribution.
I got to court, I did my crime
A mention of facing the consequences in court for a committed crime.
Stand in line, pay bail
The practical process of dealing with legal consequences, like paying bail.
I may serve time
A possibility of serving time in jail for the committed crime.
Understand we're fighting a war we can't win
Reiteration of the unwinnable nature of the conflict against the authorities.
They hate us, we hate them
Continued mutual animosity between the rebellious and the authorities.
We can't win, no way
Final expression of the belief that victory is impossible in the ongoing struggle.
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