Social Commentary, Rock 'n Roll Style

On her post of Monday, 27 November, Blue Gal asserts that Frank Zappa was, as she puts it, one of the great political philosophers of our time.

I agree wholeheartedly. However, I would also safely add Ray Davies of The Kinks to the list.

Brainwashed

You look like a real human being
But you don’t have a mind of your own

Yeah, you can talk, you can breathe
You can work, you can stitch, you can sew

But you’re brainwashed

Yes you are,
yes you are

Get down on your knees

You’ve got a job and a house
And a wife, and your kids and a car

Yeah, you’re conditioned to be
What they want you to be
And be happy to be where you are

Yes you are

Get down on your knees
Get down on your knees

The aristocrats and bureaucrats
Are dirty rats
For making you what you are

They’re up there and you're down here
You’re on the ground and they’re up with the stars

All your life they’ve kicked you around and pushed you around
Till you can’t take any more
To them you’re just a speck of dirt
But you don’t want to get up off the floor

Mister, you’re just brainwashed
They give you social security
Tax saving benefits that grow at maturity

Yeah, you’re conditioned to be
What they want you to be
And to do what they want you to
Yes you are, yes you are

Get down on your knees

.


-Ray Davies, 1970