| George Michael – Hand to Mouth Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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OK, here are my ideas regarding the 5th verse. First of all I believe that in this verse George gives a general perspective of the things he described above. So, I believe that “big white lady on a big white doorstep” must be a Statue of Liberty. Her “daddy” is the president of USA, whoever he is. I guess “She asked her daddy and her daddy said ‘Yes’” means that any universal idea (liberty, freedom, equality etc.) isn’t pure any more, it’s in the service of the powers that be, who only give their permission for good works if they will. With “Has to give a little for the dollars that we get, has to give a little — they say it’s for the best” George calls upon the idea of sharing at least a little part of our wealth with the poor people, like those described in the beginning of the song. But then he sings: “Somebody shouted: Maybe... But they kept on living from hand to mouth” which means that they consider the idea of sharing (or at least pretend that they are), but after all nothing changes and indigent people keep on living the same way, because nobody really seems to care. And then he goes: “So she ran to the arms of America And she kissed the powers that be” Once again, “she” doesn’t mean someone particular. It describes how the pure ideas become spoiled by power and money bags, making one finally realize that “the gods believe in nothing”, where “gods” are social elite, plutocracy and upper class. It’s a bit hard for me to get the whole point, ‘cause English isn’t my native language. But that was my interpretation of the lyrics. I just hope someone would find it eligible. |
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