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,
You better toss your bullets
You better hide your guns
You better help the children
Let 'em have some fun
You better count your blessings
Kiss your Mom and Pop
You better burn that flag
'Cause it ain't against the law
You better pledge your allegiance
You're not the only one
Listen up forefathers
I'm not your son
You better save the country
You better pass the flask
You better join the army
I said, "No thank you, dear old Uncle Sam"
You better toss tour bullets
You better hide your guns
You better help the children
Let 'em have some fun, some fun, some fun
You better hide your guns
You better help the children
Let 'em have some fun
You better count your blessings
Kiss your Mom and Pop
You better burn that flag
'Cause it ain't against the law
You better pledge your allegiance
You're not the only one
Listen up forefathers
I'm not your son
You better save the country
You better pass the flask
You better join the army
I said, "No thank you, dear old Uncle Sam"
You better toss tour bullets
You better hide your guns
You better help the children
Let 'em have some fun, some fun, some fun
Lyrics submitted by crazycrackah
Who Needs You Lyrics as written by Grant Brinner Dominic Corso
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I'm not sure what the intended meaning of the song is, and even though I absolutely LOVE the sound/vibe of this tune, I don't play it often since it comes across to me as a huge lack of respect for our Veterans and others that selflessly fought for what we have now. So overall, I guess I would say that it symbolizes a newer generation that is self-centered and ungrateful... unless that was sarcastically the intent?