I think of Barack Obama every time I hear this song. Chevelle has commented in the realm of politics in the past, so this is not out of question. And this album in particular has some political themes as well. "Face to the Floor" concerns Bernie Madoff, while "Hats Off to the Bull" is for all the people feeling downtrodden right now in this cruddy economy. So now let's consider "The Meddler," from the top:
"You had that nighttime confidence" Obama likes passing bills in the dead of night and he's always displaying an air of confidence, even when he's not.
"Like when you tear us all to bits" I would argue we are at one of the most divided points in history as a nation right now. It was said during his campaign that he would unify the nation, but the opposite has happened, hence we are torn to bits.
"You're too much like a wall" Obama shuts out everyone who disagrees with him. He doesn't want to hear it. It's his way or no way.
"Well I don't belong here/ Don't fit your style/ Felt your left foot/ Now meet my right" Pete is saying he doesn't belong nor fit Obama's mold; he's not a part of that agenda. Note the feet: left foot and right foot, as in left wing and right wing in politics perhaps? Obama is left, and since he's the one kicking it would make sense in this quote. Time to kick back with the right foot!
"It's now or never, more difficult" If we do not change things now, it only gets worse.
"See now over this, you meddler" As president, Obama's job is to oversee everything in the nation
"Feed off all the rest, you meddler" Redistribution of wealth?
"Never, never/ Lean on you" Pete won't lean on the government. He would rather be independent.
"The Meddler" Obama is a meddler. He campaigned on "change" and that's what meddlers do; they mess with things.
If this song isn't about Obama, then there sure are a lot of coincidences. Remember, this is a political album--watch some interviews of Chevelle concerning this album if you don't believe me.
@counting91bluecars I think you may be on to something here. Your views are fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I am a huge Chevelle fan, but I’m also a fan of some really great Christian Alternative Rock from the early 2000s (Switchfoot, TFK, and Skillet). I actually had thought maybe this song was a blow to SwitchFOOT, or TFK (Thousand FOOT Krutch) ——- hence the FOOT reference. But I now believe I am thankfully wrong. I actually you are correct.
@counting91bluecars I think you may be on to something here. Your views are fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I am a huge Chevelle fan, but I’m also a fan of some really great Christian Alternative Rock from the early 2000s (Switchfoot, TFK, and Skillet). I actually had thought maybe this song was a blow to SwitchFOOT, or TFK (Thousand FOOT Krutch) ——- hence the FOOT reference. But I now believe I am thankfully wrong. I actually you are correct.
Well, suffice to say in closing. Bob Dylan is my all time favorite songwriter/artist/musician. Based on your interpretation of...
Well, suffice to say in closing. Bob Dylan is my all time favorite songwriter/artist/musician. Based on your interpretation of this song (The Meddler), you might find one of his songs he wrote and recorded for his 2012 album, Tempest of interest. The song is called, Pay in Blood. Many people here at this site (including myself) believe it is/was about the same person that you believe that The Meddler is concerning.
I think of Barack Obama every time I hear this song. Chevelle has commented in the realm of politics in the past, so this is not out of question. And this album in particular has some political themes as well. "Face to the Floor" concerns Bernie Madoff, while "Hats Off to the Bull" is for all the people feeling downtrodden right now in this cruddy economy. So now let's consider "The Meddler," from the top:
"You had that nighttime confidence" Obama likes passing bills in the dead of night and he's always displaying an air of confidence, even when he's not.
"Like when you tear us all to bits" I would argue we are at one of the most divided points in history as a nation right now. It was said during his campaign that he would unify the nation, but the opposite has happened, hence we are torn to bits.
"You're too much like a wall" Obama shuts out everyone who disagrees with him. He doesn't want to hear it. It's his way or no way.
"Well I don't belong here/ Don't fit your style/ Felt your left foot/ Now meet my right" Pete is saying he doesn't belong nor fit Obama's mold; he's not a part of that agenda. Note the feet: left foot and right foot, as in left wing and right wing in politics perhaps? Obama is left, and since he's the one kicking it would make sense in this quote. Time to kick back with the right foot!
"It's now or never, more difficult" If we do not change things now, it only gets worse.
"See now over this, you meddler" As president, Obama's job is to oversee everything in the nation
"Feed off all the rest, you meddler" Redistribution of wealth?
"Never, never/ Lean on you" Pete won't lean on the government. He would rather be independent.
"The Meddler" Obama is a meddler. He campaigned on "change" and that's what meddlers do; they mess with things.
If this song isn't about Obama, then there sure are a lot of coincidences. Remember, this is a political album--watch some interviews of Chevelle concerning this album if you don't believe me.
@counting91bluecars I think you may be on to something here. Your views are fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I am a huge Chevelle fan, but I’m also a fan of some really great Christian Alternative Rock from the early 2000s (Switchfoot, TFK, and Skillet). I actually had thought maybe this song was a blow to SwitchFOOT, or TFK (Thousand FOOT Krutch) ——- hence the FOOT reference. But I now believe I am thankfully wrong. I actually you are correct.
@counting91bluecars I think you may be on to something here. Your views are fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I am a huge Chevelle fan, but I’m also a fan of some really great Christian Alternative Rock from the early 2000s (Switchfoot, TFK, and Skillet). I actually had thought maybe this song was a blow to SwitchFOOT, or TFK (Thousand FOOT Krutch) ——- hence the FOOT reference. But I now believe I am thankfully wrong. I actually you are correct.
Well, suffice to say in closing. Bob Dylan is my all time favorite songwriter/artist/musician. Based on your interpretation of...
Well, suffice to say in closing. Bob Dylan is my all time favorite songwriter/artist/musician. Based on your interpretation of this song (The Meddler), you might find one of his songs he wrote and recorded for his 2012 album, Tempest of interest. The song is called, Pay in Blood. Many people here at this site (including myself) believe it is/was about the same person that you believe that The Meddler is concerning.
Go check it out and let me know your thoughts.