Many decry as evil drugs taken for kicks and sold by competitive entrepreneurs not approved by politicians. Yet, these same ones see no contradiction in taking drugs for kicks under the false claims of ailments when those drugs get sold by politically-approved vendors. If you doubt the latter, discover what drug seeking behavior is and how it relates to the Vicodin and Oxycontin markets.
Yet, Ian Dury gave us something far deeper when he penned and produced his most famous work. A study of the lyrics reveals why this song fits well as an anthem of freedom, the realm where each man and each woman is self-sovereign.
The gist here is
- Suffer from your silly ways, your false beliefs or change by throwing them out the window
- There are other ways to live if you strive to find out
- Don't do business you don't like, that is don't work at what you don't like.
- Explore your preferences regardless of the peer pressure of others — don't wear their drab grey
- Don't sell yourself short. Hone your skills. Find the markets where you are wanted.
- Bite into a small slice of the cake of liberty. It's full of flavor you'll like. You'll want ever more once you do.
On top, musically, the song rocks. The stripped-down arrangement features a catchy thematic riff, infectious bass lines, clever phase-shifted chord overlays and a tasty sweet roadhouse piano solo.
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Is all my brain and body need
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Are very good indeed
Keep your silly ways or throw them out the window
The wisdom of your ways, I've been there and I know
Lots of other ways, what a jolly bad show
If all you ever do is business you don't like
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Is very good indeed
Every bit of clothing ought to make you pretty
You can cut the clothing, grey is such a pity
I should wear the clothing of Mr. Walter Mitty
See my tailor, he's called Simon, I know it's going to fit
Here's a little piece of advice
You're quite welcome it is free
Don't do nothing that is cut price
You know what that'll make you be
They will try their tricky device
Trap you with the ordinary
Get your teeth into a small slice
The cake of liberty
Gab It
