Wristband
Unlocking Life's Doors: The Symbolism Behind Wristband by Paul Simon
Lyrics
I stepped outside the backstage door to breathe some nicotine
I went outside the backstage area to smoke a cigarette.
And maybe check my mailbox
Also, possibly to check for any personal messages.
See if I can read the screen
To see if I could read any information on a screen nearby.
Then I heard a click, the stage door lock
I heard the sound of the stage door locking.
I knew just what that meant
I understood what that sound meant.
I'm gonna have to walk around the block
I realized I would need to take a walk around the block.
If I wanna get it in
To find another way to enter if I want to get back inside.
Wristband, my man, you've got to have a wristband
Emphasis on the necessity of having a wristband for entry.
If you don't have a wristband, my man
If you lack a wristband, you won't be allowed entry.
You don't get through the door
Reiteration of the requirement of a wristband for access.
Wristband, my man, you've got to have a wristband
Importance stressed again - no wristband, no entry.
And if you don't have a wristband, my man
Repeat of the idea that a wristband is necessary for entry.
You don't get through the door
If you lack a wristband, you won't be permitted inside.
I can explain it
Trying to explain the situation.
I don't know why my heart beats like a fist
The feeling of anxiety or tension when faced with opposition.
When I meet some dude with an attitude saying
Encountering someone with an authoritative attitude.
"Hey, you can't do that, or this"
Telling you what you can or cannot do.
And the man was large, a well-dressed six-foot-eight
Description of a large, well-dressed intimidating person.
And he's acting like Saint Peter standing guard at the pearly
Acting as a gatekeeper, reminiscent of Saint Peter at Heaven's gates.
Wristband, my man
Reiteration of the need for a wristband for access.
You've got to have a wristband
Stressing the requirement of having a wristband.
That you don't have a wristband
Emphasizing the consequence of not having a wristband.
You don't get through the door
If you don't possess a wristband, entry is denied.
And I said wristband?
Questioning the necessity of a wristband.
I don't need a wristband
Asserting that one doesn't need a wristband due to their equipment being on stage and their band being on standby.
My axe is on the bandstand, my band is on the floor
Expressing that everything necessary is already in place.
I mean it's just
(Wristband)
Repetition of the idea of a wristband being required for access.
(Wristband)
-(Wristband)
-(Wristband)
-(Wristband)
-(Wristband)
-(Wristband)
-The riots started slowly
Depiction of riots starting gradually.
With the homeless and the lowly
Beginning with marginalized groups like the homeless.
Then they spread into the heartland towns
Spreading to areas typically overlooked or excluded.
That never get a wristband
People in these areas are often denied access.
Kids that can't afford the cool brand
Those unable to afford trendy brands.
Whose anger is a short-hand
Their frustration and discontent are expressed indirectly.
For you'll never get a wristband
They're symbolically barred from access due to their status.
And if you don't have a wristband
Reiteration that lack of a wristband means no entry.
Then you can't get through the door
If you lack a wristband, you're not allowed in.
No you can't get through the door (wristband)
Reinforcing the idea of denial of entry without a wristband.
No you can't get through the door (wristband)
-Say you can't get through the door, no (wristband)
-(Wristband)
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