| The Refreshments – Banditos Lyrics | 5 years ago |
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(Sadly, I cannot edit my comment, so here's my final thought:) The notion, on which the chorus ends ("that seems fair") is firstly ironic, seeing tas that it most definitely is not fair, and secondly, mirrors the protagonist's apparent notion that there is no honor among thiefs. |
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| The Refreshments – Banditos Lyrics | 5 years ago |
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As several people already said, this song likely is about the protagonist setting their partner-in-crime up to get caught. Verse 1: The protagonist meets with an acquaintance discuss an idea to "go down" over coffee ([...] talk it out over a cup of joe"). "Down", the later mentioned "border guard", "pesos", and the title of the song, "Banditos"*, implies that they plan to go to Mexico. Note that in this verse, the nature of their endeavor isn't even implied to be a fellony yet. The protagonist also immediately cements the idea of their trustworthyness ("[... ]look deep into my eyes") while being aware of a possible infatuation of their partner ("Like I was a supermodel"). * interestingly, the Spanish word for 'bandit' or 'robber' actually is "bandido", while "bandito" is Italian Verse 2: The protagonist further emphasizes the importance of their partner trusting them blindly ("No one else we can trust"). The 'how' of their plan shall remain a secret or, so the protagonist argues, they will fail ("[...] say nothin' to no one, no how or we'll bust"). Through use of the specific wording ("bust") it is also for the first time implied that they plan to break the law. The first line ("[...] it's just you and me baby") reinforces the idea that the protagonist plays into their partner's infatuation and implies a 'Bonnie-and-Clyde'-esque gangster romance between the two of them. Verse 3: ** This whole verse describes how the two of them try to outsmart the police. The measures described here at least seem sensible enough to actually work ("put the sguar in the tank of the sheriff's car", "slash the deputy's tires"). The mentioning of a sheriff and a deputy and by implying that it will take a long time before they get informed on something happening ("finally get the word") paints the picture of a small town in the middle of nothing. Also, the mentioning of "a hold-up" finally confirms that the protagonist and their partner plan a robbery. ** verse 3 technically comes after the chorus, but the events described here take place before those of the chorus Chorus: The protagonist gives their partner a fake ID bearing the name "Captain Jean-Luc Picard" ("Of the United Federation of Planets"). This is, of course, a nod to the fictional character with the same name from the science fiction television series "Star Trek - The Next Generation". The argue that, because of their poor language skills, the border guards won't be able to tell that the ID is fake ("because they don't speak English anyways"). This, however, is higly unlikely, given the notoriety of the show and its characters. It is made clear here that the protagonist tries to prevent their partner from returning from Mexico after they went through with their plan. The protagonist then goes on rambling about how "the world is full of stupid people". By doing so, they strengthen their partner's belief in the success of their endeavor. The subtext, however, implies that the protagonist actually talks about how they think their partner is stupid. The line is actually repeated several times to underline the protagonist's feeling of superiority towards their partner (and possible law enforement as well). The protagonist lures their partner to their meeting place ("[...] the mission [...] at midnight") with the promise that they will share their spoils there ("We'll divy up there"). In reality, the partner is very likely to be arrested as soon as they show up there. Lastly, the protagonist makes it clear that, because they have "the pistol", they'll keep "the pesos" - essentially openly stating that they'll betray their partner (possibly even holding them at gunpoint). The protagonist's plan thus is completely revealed to escape and let their partner stay behind to take the blame. |
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