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.
Sup up your beer and collect your fags
There's a row going on down near Slough
Get out your mat and pray to the west
I'll get out mine and pray for myself
Thought you were smart when you took them on
But you didn't take a peep in their artillery room
All that rugby puts hairs on your chest
What chance have you got against a tie and a crest?
Hello-hooray, what a nice day, for the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, I hope rain stops play, with the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Thought you were clever when you lit the fuse
Tore down the House Of Commons in your brand new shoes
Compose a revolutionary symphony
Then went to bed with a charming young thing
Hello-hooray, cheers then mate, its the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, an extremist scrape, with the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
What a catalyst you turned out to be
Loaded the guns then you run off home for your tea
Left me standing, like a guilty schoolboy
What a catalyst you turned out to be
Loaded the guns then you run off home for your tea
Left me standing, like a naughty schoolboy
We come out of it naturally the worst
Beaten and bloody and I was sick down my shirt
We were no match for their untamed wit
Though some of the lads said they'll be back next week
Hello-hooray, there's a price to pay, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, I'd prefer the plague, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, there's a price to pay, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, I'd prefer the plague, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
There's a row going on down near Slough
Get out your mat and pray to the west
I'll get out mine and pray for myself
Thought you were smart when you took them on
But you didn't take a peep in their artillery room
All that rugby puts hairs on your chest
What chance have you got against a tie and a crest?
Hello-hooray, what a nice day, for the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, I hope rain stops play, with the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Thought you were clever when you lit the fuse
Tore down the House Of Commons in your brand new shoes
Compose a revolutionary symphony
Then went to bed with a charming young thing
Hello-hooray, cheers then mate, its the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, an extremist scrape, with the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
What a catalyst you turned out to be
Loaded the guns then you run off home for your tea
Left me standing, like a guilty schoolboy
What a catalyst you turned out to be
Loaded the guns then you run off home for your tea
Left me standing, like a naughty schoolboy
We come out of it naturally the worst
Beaten and bloody and I was sick down my shirt
We were no match for their untamed wit
Though some of the lads said they'll be back next week
Hello-hooray, there's a price to pay, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, I'd prefer the plague, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, there's a price to pay, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Hello-hooray, I'd prefer the plague, to the Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles
Lyrics submitted by Hannhrarian
The Eton Rifles [Single Edit] Lyrics as written by Paul John Weller
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Surely it's about class divisions and the "Old Boys' circuit"? How he feels his opportunities are taken by those with a "tie and a crest"?