Ripoff
England's Ripoff: Unveiling the Social Commentary in Ian Hunter's Song
Lyrics
(Ian Hunter)
Ian Hunter
I don't wanna be no traitor to the cause
The speaker doesn't want to betray or go against something they believe in or support.
But England is a luxury - not many can afford
England is seen as a privilege or something luxurious but not accessible to many.
There's people going under - it's getting out of hand
There are people facing significant difficulties and sinking into adverse situations.
Whatever happened to our - our green and pleasant land?
The speaker questions the transformation of England from the described ideal ("green and pleasant land") to its current state.
It turned into a wilderness; it turned into a third world country
England has deteriorated into a state resembling a deserted or neglected area and has regressed economically.
Most people ain't getting what they pay for
Many citizens are not receiving the value or benefits they should from what they invest or contribute.
Some people gettin' more than they should be
Some individuals are gaining more advantages or resources than they rightfully deserve.
I know, I know - I'm an alien - but what are you gonna do
The speaker acknowledges feeling disconnected or out of place but questions the actions or choices of others in response.
I wanna live in England - but it gets to you
The longing to live in England exists despite the negative impact or disillusionment it causes, emphasizing a repeated emotional toll.
It gets to you, it gets to you, it gets to you
-I really don't know why - England's such a ripoff
The speaker expresses confusion or lack of understanding regarding why England operates as a deceitful or fraudulent entity.
It's crazy, but it's true
Acknowledging the insanity of the situation but confirming its reality.
I really don't know why - England wants to rip off you
England is portrayed as actively seeking to exploit or take advantage of individuals.
England wants to rip off you, England wants to rip off you
-What do you do when you find out?
The uncertainty of what action to take upon realizing the situation and the attachment to the concept of home despite disillusionment.
Where do you go if you leave?
-There's no place like home - that's what they say
-And that's what you always believed
-Someday you might win the Lottery
The potential hope of winning the lottery or pools remains, yet it's highlighted as the sole aspiration for some to live for.
Someday you might win the Pools
-But that's all you've got - that's all you've got
-- to live for, to live for
-That's all you've got - that's all you've got -
-To live for, to live for (yeah)
-To be or not to be - that's the question
A reference to Shakespeare's famous existential question, contemplating the internal conflict of desiring to live in England despite the emotional toll it takes.
Oh what's it gonna be?
-I'd love to live in England - but it gets to me
-It gets to me, it gets to me, yeah it gets to me
-I really don't know why - England's such a ripoff
Reiteration of the perplexity and disbelief at England's exploitative nature, emphasizing its truth despite its irrationality.
It's crazy, but it's true
-I really don't know why - England wants to rip off you
-England wants to rip off you, England wants to rip off you
-I really don't know why - England's such a ripoff
Continued expression of confusion about England's intentions to exploit or deceive, echoing the sentiment of disbelief.
It's crazy, but it's true
-Oh I really don't know why - England wants to rip off
-England wants to rip off , England wants to rip off
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