Lyric discussion by razajac 

Cover art for Riot Act lyrics by Elvis Costello

When you listen, be sure to keep a historical take on the concept of a "riot act" in mind.

The context is one of civil discord where elites just pull legal rank on aggrieved lower-class parties. Those parties feel driven to the expedient of violent revolt, and the elites just effectively say, "OK, now you're just breaking the law. Disperse."

A "riot act" is an intense concept! Imagine how intense it feels when it's living history for you!