Lyrics
You turn the screws
You exert pressure or control
You tear down the bridge
You destroy connections or opportunities
Flimsy as it is, it's business like
Despite being fragile, it's done with a business-like approach
You shake my hand
A symbolic gesture of agreement or deal
You break up the band
You disband a musical group
Flimsy as it is, it's open mic punk rock
Despite fragility, it's a performance like an open mic punk rock
Red white and blue
A patriotic reference, possibly to signify an American context
Yeah, you twist the knife then go home to kiss your wife
You metaphorically harm and then return to your personal life
A bigger better slice is what you'd like
Desire for a larger share or better situation
You kick the sand, you get the upper hand
You gain an advantage through assertive actions
You sell it to Japan
You sell the advantage to another country, possibly Japan
It's natural punk rock
Natural expression within the punk rock ethos
Red white and blue
A repetition of patriotic imagery
You turn the screws
Reiteration of exerting control or pressure
It's what you choose to do
Choosing to manipulate or influence
You think that I
Assumption that the singer should also exert control
Must turn them too
Assumption that the singer should be content with the same actions
You think that I must be so satisfied
Assumption that the singer should be satisfied with the current situation
I stay inside
The singer chooses to remain indoors, possibly avoiding conflicts
I wonder why
An expression of curiosity or contemplation about the situation
And the cement mixer gets it all ready
An industrial metaphor, preparing for something
One good turn at a time
Progress is made gradually, one step at a time
They're pouring it slowly and steady
The process is slow and consistent
You're showing me where I can sign
Showcasing where the singer can agree or conform
What I can expect to find
Expectations and what to find are presented
But how can you say you'll be happy
Questioning the sincerity of claiming future happiness
When you turn the screws
The act of exerting control or pressure
You turn the screws
Repetition of the act of exerting control or pressure
It's what you choose to do
Choosing to manipulate or influence, emphasizing choice
You turn the screws
Reiteration of the act of exerting control or pressure
It's what you choose to do
Emphasizing the choice to exert control
You think that I must turn them, too
Assumption that the singer should also exert control
You turn the screws
Repetition of the act of exerting control or pressure
It's what you choose to do
Emphasizing the choice to exert control
You turn the screws
Reiteration of the act of exerting control or pressure
It's what you choose to do
Emphasizing the choice to exert control
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