This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
A man lives at the corner of the street
And his neighbors think he's helpful and he's sweet
'Cause he never swears and he always shakes you by the hand
But no one knows he really is a plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
He's got plastic heart, plastic teeth and toes
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He's got plastic knees and a perfect plastic nose
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He's got plastic lips that hide his plastic teeth and gums
And plastic legs that reach up to his plastic bum
(Plastic bum, plastic bum )
Plastic man got no brain
Plastic man don't feel no pain
Plastic people look the same
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Kick his shin or tread on his face
Pull his nose all over the place
He can't disfigure, or disgrace
Plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
He's got plastic flowers growing up the walls
(Yeah, he eats plastic food)
He eats plastic food with a plastic knife and fork
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He likes plastic cups and saucers 'cause they never break
And he likes to lick his gravy off a plastic plate
Plastic man got no brain
Plastic man don't feel no pain
Plastic people look the same
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Kick his shin or tread on his face
Pull his nose all over the place
He can't disfigure, or disgrace
Plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
He's got a plastic wife who wears a plastic mac
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
And his children wanna be plastic like their dad
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He's got a phony smile that makes you think he understands
But no one ever gets the truth from plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
Plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
And his neighbors think he's helpful and he's sweet
'Cause he never swears and he always shakes you by the hand
But no one knows he really is a plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
He's got plastic heart, plastic teeth and toes
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He's got plastic knees and a perfect plastic nose
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He's got plastic lips that hide his plastic teeth and gums
And plastic legs that reach up to his plastic bum
(Plastic bum, plastic bum )
Plastic man got no brain
Plastic man don't feel no pain
Plastic people look the same
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Kick his shin or tread on his face
Pull his nose all over the place
He can't disfigure, or disgrace
Plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
He's got plastic flowers growing up the walls
(Yeah, he eats plastic food)
He eats plastic food with a plastic knife and fork
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He likes plastic cups and saucers 'cause they never break
And he likes to lick his gravy off a plastic plate
Plastic man got no brain
Plastic man don't feel no pain
Plastic people look the same
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Kick his shin or tread on his face
Pull his nose all over the place
He can't disfigure, or disgrace
Plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
He's got a plastic wife who wears a plastic mac
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
And his children wanna be plastic like their dad
(Yeah, he's plastic man)
He's got a phony smile that makes you think he understands
But no one ever gets the truth from plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
Plastic man
(Plastic man, plastic man)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Plastic Man Lyrics as written by Raymond Douglas Davies
Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.