This song is a lament for the downtrodden members of impoverished America. Imagery evokes poor bums stealing items out of cars, using duct tape for shoes etc. The chorus of "Smith and Jones" forever evokes the sense of lost identity. Instead of having real names, these people will remain generic Smiths and Jones's, since no one in society tends to observe or care about them. The ending doesn't seem to fit the song, unless you consider the contrast here: where these bums have no identity, the execution of a wanted criminal is infused with identity. Everyone knows serial murderers and their respective executions are a huge media spectacle. The word choice of "got two tickets" and "hitchhike our way" evokes almost a feel-good road trip to see a concert. In this way, Berman points out the media's role in making death entertainment. This same media would never devote airtime to the unfortunate Smith or Jones on the street.
This song is a lament for the downtrodden members of impoverished America. Imagery evokes poor bums stealing items out of cars, using duct tape for shoes etc. The chorus of "Smith and Jones" forever evokes the sense of lost identity. Instead of having real names, these people will remain generic Smiths and Jones's, since no one in society tends to observe or care about them. The ending doesn't seem to fit the song, unless you consider the contrast here: where these bums have no identity, the execution of a wanted criminal is infused with identity. Everyone knows serial murderers and their respective executions are a huge media spectacle. The word choice of "got two tickets" and "hitchhike our way" evokes almost a feel-good road trip to see a concert. In this way, Berman points out the media's role in making death entertainment. This same media would never devote airtime to the unfortunate Smith or Jones on the street.
@couldBanyone thank you. for some reason I pictured them inside the hatchback, but it makes way more sense that they’re on the outside looking in.
@couldBanyone thank you. for some reason I pictured them inside the hatchback, but it makes way more sense that they’re on the outside looking in.