After taking a closer look at the lyrics, I realised that there are multiple references and connections to Lord of the Flies - particularly in the first verse, and second verse to the ending. The song has a few inappropriate words in it, so I have attached the clean version of the song and used replacement words in my lyric analysis without altering the meaning of the song.
Another clever word
Sets off an unsuspecting herd
And as you step back into line
A mob jumps to their feet
This part of the song makes me think of the meetings that the boys have, where Ralph often loses his control over the boys and it becomes very chaotic.
Slowly out of line
And drifting closer in your sights
So play it out I’m wide awake
It’s a scene about me
There’s something in your way
And now someone is gonna pay
And if you can’t get what you want
Well it’s all because of me
These four lines bring about images of Ralph and Jack and how they become rivals from the moment they meet. They are often disagreeing, for example, while Ralph is confident that keeping the fire going will result in their rescue, Jack is more concerned with hunting and surviving. While Ralph believes that building shelter should be their main focus, Jack is, again, preoccupied with the idea of catching the pig.
Now dance, dance, dance
Man, he never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you
This line immediately made me think of the scene where the boys are discussing what they think the beast may be and Piggy is confident that the beast is not a monster with "claws and all that" and says that maybe it's people that we are so afraid of. Simon suggests a similar point that perhaps the beast isn't a physical creature but it is mental. As Golding writes, "What I mean is... maybe it's only us".
And now you’ll lead the way
Show the light of day
Nice work you did
You’re gonna go far, kid
Trust, deceived
With a thousand lies
And a good disguise
Hit ‘em right between the eyes
Hit ‘em right between the eyes
The repetition of this line reminds me very much of Jack's fascination with hunting the pig and the repetition almost makes it seem more obsessive. This line is also repeated multiple times throughout the rest of song.
When you walk away
Nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See ‘em running for their lives
This doesn't have an exact reference to the story but it brings to mind images of survival, bravery, and fear. To "see the lighting" in someone's eyes makes me imagine someone full of rage, desire, and power, much like Jack in the story.
Clever alibis
Lord of the flies
The book is directly referenced in the outro.
Hit ‘em right between the eyes
Hit ‘em right between the eyes
This line is repeated once again.
When you walk away
Nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See ‘em running for their lives
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you brought up that the repetition symbolised Jack's obsession with hunting. When I listened to the song and read over your analysis for these two lines, it also made me think of the beast and how the boys were always hunting it.
We often don't realise it because we focus on Jack's obsession with hunting, but the boys are actually obsessed with hunting the 'beast'- more than Jack is with hunting.
A literal connection with this line could also relate to when Ralph hit the boar in the snout, and how he kept trying to repeat it and bring it up because he was so proud of himself.
Overall, some really strong connections. Good job Adrienne!
Megan,
DeleteThe connection you made between the repetition of the line "hit 'em right between the eyes" is a really good addition. I hadn't noticed that until you pointed it out!
Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow Adrienne! You are so right. This song is loaded with allusions to Lord of the Flies including many that we haven't got to yet in the text. This stanza in particular is going to blow you away after we get to a key turning point in the plot:
ReplyDeleteNow dance, dance, dance
Man, he never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you
Also, I think that Megan is spot on with her connection between The Offspring's repetition of "Hit ‘em right between the eyes" and Ralph's repetition of his boast in Chapter 7 -- "'I hit him,' said Ralph again."
Also, just wait until you see what this line alludes to!
See ‘em running for their lives
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteI listened to the song before read what you wrote and I could just see how strong the connections were. Good song pick, I don't think anyone can top that.
Also, nice use of your love of music to relate to the book. Very good Adrienne.
I really like how you listed the lyrics and then sectioned them off and commented separately on each section. That really helped guide me through the song and its meaning really well. This is really good and there is a clear connection between the two pieces of relating messages expressed in different manners.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good connection. Good job Adrienne! I have never heard of this song before but the way you could articulate the words and phrases and connect it to the different pieces of literature was really good. I really liked the first passage you did when you talked about how it related to the meeting of the boys. Especially the phrase "as you step back into line" I can just imagine someone stepping forward to say something with the conch in their hand and going back to the position and mixing in with the crowd.
ReplyDelete