Signs
Rebellion in Signs: A Musical Commentary on Society's Rules
Lyrics
And the sign said, "Long-haired freaky people need not apply"
The sign indicates that people with long hair and unconventional appearance are not welcome for a certain opportunity or place.
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
The person hides their long hair under a hat to conform to the sign's requirement and confronts the issuer of the sign.
He said, "You look like a fine, upstanding, young man, I think you'll do"
The issuer of the sign contradicts its message by approving the person's appearance despite the sign's prejudice.
So I took off my hat, I said, "Imagine that, huh, me workin' for you?"
The person finds it ironic that they, who were initially rejected by the sign's message, would consider working for the issuer.
Whoa
Expresses a moment of surprise or emphasis on the situation.
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Repeats the pervasive nature of signs, highlighting their omnipresence and impact on the environment and one's thoughts by dictating rules and limitations.
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
-Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
-And the sign said anybody caught trespassin' would be shot on sight
The sign threatens severe consequences for trespassing, prompting a challenge to the authority behind it, questioning the morality and justification of imposing boundaries.
So I jumped on the fence and a yelled at the house
-"Hey, what gives you the right?"
-"To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in"
-"If God was here he'd tell you to your face, man, you're some kind of sinner"
-Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Reiteration of the overwhelming presence of signs, imposing restrictions and instructions, affecting mental peace and obstructing the natural environment.
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
-Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
-Now, hey you, mister, can't you read?
Illustrates discrimination based on dress codes and memberships, highlighting exclusionary practices and limitations placed on individuals.
You've got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
-You can't even watch, no, you can't eat
-You ain't supposed to be here
-The sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside, ugh
-And the sign said, "Everybody welcome, come in, kneel down and pray"
Contrasts the welcoming nature proclaimed by a sign with the reality of exclusion due to financial constraints, prompting the creation of a personal, grateful sign despite lacking material means.
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all
-I didn't have a penny to pay
-So I got me a pen and a paper, and I made up my own little sign
-I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me, I'm alive and doin' fine"
-Woo
An exclamation of affirmation or enthusiasm following the personal expression of gratitude.
Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Reiterates the oppressive nature of signs, their ubiquitous presence, and their impact on thoughts and actions, enforcing societal norms and limitations.
Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind
-Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
-Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Emphasizes the overwhelming prevalence of signs and their influence on various aspects of life.
Sign
-Sign, sign
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