Then Again
Nostalgic Reflections: Unveiling Shadows in The Proclaimers' 'Then Again'
Lyrics
Then is here again
Reiteration of the return of a certain time or situation.
It's never been away so don't
Asserting that the mentioned time has always been present.
Call it a comeback
Dismissive statement, discouraging the idea of a comeback.
Happy days of yore are all destroyed
Referring to the good old days that are now ruined.
And now it's looking like a sad sack
Present situation is now gloomy and depressing.
I can't believe that I couldn't see
Expressing disbelief at not recognizing certain negative aspects.
How many dodgy men were on the TV
Commenting on the prevalence of untrustworthy individuals on television.
While I was growing to a man
Reflecting on personal growth to adulthood.
They took advantage of the fans
Suggesting exploitation of fans by certain individuals.
When I was a boy
Reference to the singer's childhood.
They were stars of prime time television
Recognition of celebrities in the past on TV.
But circumstances change
Acknowledging changes in circumstances for these celebrities.
And some of them ended up in prison
Some celebrities faced legal consequences and ended up in prison.
Now, when they re-run Top Of The Pops
Current repercussions for hosts of the show "Top Of The Pops."
Some of the hosts have got the chop
Some hosts have faced consequences for their actions.
I'm sleeping soundly in my bed
Feeling secure despite past controversies.
'Cos Jimmy Savile's still dead
Reference to the death of Jimmy Savile, a controversial figure.
The swinging seventies
Recollection of the lively atmosphere of the 1970s.
Used to sit on celebrities knees
Describing a common behavior in the 1970s involving celebrities and fans.
The nineteen seventies
Reiteration of the time period and its actions.
Sat on celebrities knees
Repetition emphasizing celebrities' actions in the 1970s.
Speculation began to roam
Introduction of speculative discussions.
Like MP's through a children's home
Comparing speculation to the presence of MPs in a children's home.
"How many more", "what did they do"
Questions arising about the extent of certain individuals' actions.
Where were the girls and boys in blue?
Concerns about the authorities' involvement or lack thereof.
Now the victims and their families
Current acknowledgment and apologies for victims and families.
Have retrospective apologies
Apologies given retrospectively to victims.
They're told, that was then it isn't now
Dismissive response, suggesting that the past is not relevant now.
We've slaughtered all those sacred cows
Challenging and rejecting established beliefs or practices.
Then is here again
Reiteration of the return of a certain time or situation.
It's never been away so don't
Emphasizing the continuous presence of the mentioned time.
Call it a comeback
Repetition of the dismissive statement regarding a comeback.
Happy days of yore are all destroyed
Referring again to the loss of the happy days of the past.
And now it's looking like a sad sack
Current situation is now even more disheartening.
It's then again then again
Final reiteration of the return of a certain time or situation.
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