We Hear You Calling
Echoes of Indifference: Tony Carey's Poetic Commentary on Societal Apathy
Lyrics
The Wrath of God came pouring down on Saint John
The Wrath of God is symbolically depicted as a destructive force affecting Saint John.
and it tore that whole damn island into shreds
The island associated with Saint John is torn apart, emphasizing the severity of the impact.
green helicopters soaring over the South Lawn
Green helicopters are described flying over the South Lawn, possibly signifying a military or authoritative presence.
while the Newspeak robber-baron lies in bed
A reference to a powerful figure, the Newspeak robber-baron, who lies in bed while significant events unfold.
and back in the real world
The narrative shifts to the real world, suggesting a contrast between reality and the perceived power structure.
with the TV on
The TV is on, indicating a connection to media and information dissemination.
the man with the party girls
A man with party girls and red hats, possibly representing a privileged class, is mentioned.
and the red hats, the 10-handicap
Reference to a golfer with a 10-handicap observing events.
watches on
Observing without active involvement, as indicated by "watches on."
he says
The man acknowledges the call with a statement.
'we hear you calling
A repetition of the call, emphasizing its urgency and intensity.
so loud and clear
Despite hearing the call, there is a lack of concern or empathy.
we hear you calling
Reiteration of the call's clarity and volume.
but we don't care'
An assertion that the call is disregarded or dismissed.
we will raise a concrete barrier on your side
A metaphorical response indicating the intention to erect barriers on the caller's side.
we will build it up to the moon
Hyperbolic imagery of building a barrier extending to the moon.
send you the receipt
A promise to send a receipt for the constructed barrier.
leave you water in the desert for your last ride
A bleak scenario of leaving water in the desert for the caller's final journey, with a reference to coyotes and lost children.
as coyotes lose your children in the heat
The harsh aftermath of the caller's situation is described.
and back in the power zone
Return to a powerful zone, potentially political, fueled by ephedrine.
on the ephedrine
A man with a telephone and extensive media presence is highlighted.
the man with the telephone
His name is featured prominently on every chyron and screen.
and his name on every chyron
A statement indicating awareness of the call but lack of responsiveness.
every screen
Repetition of the clear and loud call, met with indifference.
he says
A statement emphasizing the persistence of a certain color (brown) associated with degraded or overlooked aspects of life.
'we hear you calling
A description of things living in the mud, barely human, without breath or blood.
so loud and clear
An assertion that everyone has a place, suggesting a fixed social order.
we hear you calling
A directive to return to one's origin, implying a lack of acceptance or belonging.
but we don't care'
Reiteration of the disregard for the call despite its intensity.
and brown is still the color of things
A conclusive statement asserting the indifference towards the caller's plea.
that live down in the mud
Repetition of the phrases "we hear you" and "we don't care," underscoring the persistent and unmoved stance.
barely there, barely human
-draw no breath, spill no blood
-and everybody's got his place
-yours is back where you come from
-where you belong
-when you're gone, gone, gone
-we hear you calling
-sol loud and clear
-we hear you calling
-we don't care
-we hear you
-we hear you
-we hear you
-we hear you
-we don't care
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