Lyrics
You raise these boys to be, to be like John Wayne
You raise these boys with the expectation for them to emulate the qualities associated with the iconic figure John Wayne.
Don't act so surprised when they turn out that way
Don't be surprised when these boys actually adopt the characteristics of John Wayne.
Why is there so much violence in the schools
The lyrics question the prevalence of violence in schools.
If you give a boy a gun, he can be famous too
Suggesting that providing a boy with a gun can lead to fame, possibly critiquing the glorification of violence.
We celebrate the masculine side
There is a societal celebration of masculinity.
And denigrate, just laugh when they cry
Criticism of the societal tendency to mock or belittle men when they express vulnerability or emotions.
And we're not set up to win
Society is not structured for everyone to succeed.
Do you want this to end?
Questioning whether the current situation should continue.
We're only set up to lose
Society seems designed for failure, especially for those adhering to traditional masculine stereotypes.
Two-fisted fools
Reference to individuals displaying stereotypically macho behavior.
Fathers are the ones that we're supposed to mimic
Fathers are portrayed as role models, but the idealized image may be flawed.
It summersaults around, now everyone's a critic
Suggesting a shift in perception where everyone becomes a critic.
We celebrate the masculine side
Reiteration of the societal celebration of masculinity.
And denigrate, just laugh when they cry
Repeating the criticism of mocking men's vulnerability.
We're not set up to win
Reiterating the notion that society is not structured for everyone to succeed.
Do you want this to end?
Questioning the desirability of the current state of affairs.
We're only set up to lose
Highlighting the perceived systemic tendency for failure.
Two-fisted fools
Reiteration of the reference to stereotypically macho individuals.
Well is it a time-warp or is it that our mind is warped?
Pondering whether the issues stem from a warped sense of time or a distorted mindset.
We want to be loved too
Expressing the desire for love and understanding, even for those conforming to traditional masculine ideals.
We're not set up to win
Repeating the idea that society is not structured for everyone to succeed.
Do you want this to end?
Questioning whether the current situation should continue.
We're only set up to lose
Emphasizing the perceived systemic tendency for failure.
Two-fisted fools
Reiteration of the reference to stereotypically macho individuals.
I want to be John Wayne
Expressing a personal desire to embody the characteristics of John Wayne.
I want to be John Wayne
Repeating the desire to emulate John Wayne.
I want to be John Wayne
Continuation of the desire to be like John Wayne.
I want to be John Wayne
Reiteration of the wish to be like John Wayne.
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