35 mph Town
Small Town Blues: Unveiling the Struggles of a 35 MPH Community
Lyrics
Mama locked the door last night for the first time in all of her years
Mama expresses concern by locking the door, signaling a change in the town's safety.
I said mama you gotta be kidding me
The speaker is surprised by Mama's action and questions her about it.
She said things ain't like they used to be round here
Mama explains that the town has changed, and things are not as they used to be.
You just wouldn't believe it, kids growing up without Jesus
Mama highlights the negative impact on kids, emphasizing a lack of religious influence.
Good thing your daddy ain't here to see this now
Reference to the absence of the speaker's father and the disappointment he would feel.
They stay higher than the water tower in this thirty five miles an hour town
Describes drug use in the town, comparing it to the height of the water tower.
She said it ain't the drugs, it ain't the booze
Mama denies that drugs or alcohol are the main issues, acknowledges personal experiences.
I've had a back road buzz or two, myself
Speaker reflects on a carefree past, implying a sense of nostalgia.
It seems like heaven is slipping further away
Suggests a decline in the town's moral values, with heaven metaphorically slipping away.
The devil ain't got far to go when they raise hell
Points out the proximity of wrongdoing, suggesting the town is not far from moral decay.
We used to burn a hole through midnight
Recalls a rebellious past, engaging in activities like smoking and drinking.
Smoking a stolen Marlboro Light and on a good night might kill a fifth the Crown
Describes risky behavior, reminiscing about stealing cigarettes and consuming alcohol.
But now there's a lower higher power in this thirty five miles an hour town
Introduces a new, negative influence in the town, referred to as a "lower higher power."
Oh we can't blame the babies for growing up lazy
Blames societal issues on the younger generation, depicting them as lazy and crazy.
And crazy it ain't them that let them down
Shifts responsibility away from the youth, suggesting they are victims of letdowns.
If they ain't stealing, they're suing, why work when we'll give it to 'em
Highlights a culture of entitlement, where individuals expect to be given things without working.
It's right there in the bible that we don't put out
References biblical teachings about discipline and consequences, criticizing the town's leniency.
Spare the rod and you'll sour a thirty five miles an hour town
Suggests that neglecting discipline contributes to the town's problems and moral decay.
The yes mam's gone and the pleases too,
Observes the disappearance of polite expressions, indicating a decline in manners.
It's out the door with the thank you in the evening
Describes the fading of courtesy and gratitude in the town.
You don't see a front yard football game
Notices the absence of traditional neighborhood activities, like front yard football games.
The neighbor kids have done away with the shirt and skins
Points out a shift in the way kids play, moving away from innocent activities.
No one hits the front porch lights to get the kids to come inside
Describes the lack of safety, with no need for porch lights to gather children indoors.
'Cause the streets ain't safe for a bike to ride down
Attributes the decline in safety to an increase in crime, making the streets unsafe.
Since they planted a prowler in this thirty five miles an hour town
Introduces the idea of a prowler, symbolizing a threat that has infiltrated the town.
No they're going nowhere fast tonight
Highlights the town's stagnation, emphasizing the limitation of progress.
No matter how fast they drive is thirty five miles an hour town
Reiterates the slow pace of the town, emphasizing the lack of positive change.
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