The Meaning Behind The Song: The Communists Have the Music by They Might Be Giants
The Meaning Behind The Song: “The Communists Have the Music” by They Might Be Giants
I am listening to “The Communists Have the Music” by They Might Be Giants as I sit here writing this article. It’s a catchy song with a thought-provoking title that piqued my curiosity. As a fan of They Might Be Giants, I always find their lyrics to be intriguing and often layered with hidden meanings. So, let’s delve into the meaning behind this song and explore its significance.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The song opens with the lines:
“I got handed an Ayn Rand sandwichStraight from the can, it tasted so bland”
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These lyrics suggest a dismissal or rejection of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, which advocates for individualism and limited government intervention. The mention of “Engels’ Conditions of the Working Class” alludes to Friedrich Engels, who co-authored “The Communist Manifesto” with Karl Marx. There’s a sense of disillusionment with Rand’s ideas and a yearning for something different.
The chorus goes:
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“What I care about is musicAnd the communists have the music”
Here, the lyrics express the speaker’s affinity for music and their belief that the communists are the ones who truly hold the power and influence in the music scene. It’s an interesting take that combines political ideologies with the world of music.
The second verse adds:
“I don’t need a rationaleTo sing ‘The Internationale’I only need to plug in the headphone jackSo I can listen to my backing track”
The reference to “The Internationale,” an iconic socialist and communist anthem, further emphasizes the speaker’s alignment with leftist ideas. The mention of plugging in the headphone jack implies that the power of music can transport them to a different place, where they feel connected to their beliefs and ideals.
The Meaning
The song’s meaning can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it highlights the power of music in shaping our identities and beliefs. The speaker finds solace and a sense of purpose through music, associating it with a particular political ideology. By declaring that “the communists have the music,” They Might Be Giants suggests that the leftist mindset and values resonate strongly through the medium of music.
Furthermore, the song may have a broader message about the cultural significance of different ideologies. It questions dominant ideologies and urges listeners to consider the potential of alternative viewpoints. They Might Be Giants’ lyrics often encourage independent thinking and challenge the status quo, and this song is no exception.
Behind the Music
In a 2018 press release, the band’s member, John Linnell, shared some insights about the inspiration behind the song. He mentioned how a high school classmate once compared two bands, one having power and the other having tunes. This metaphor resonated with the band and became the foundation for “The Communists Have the Music,” contrasting the power politics of different ideologies with the expressive power of music.
The band promoted the song using the hashtag #aynrandsandwich, referring to the opening line of the song where Ayn Rand’s ideas are dismissed as unappetizing.
Conclusion
“The Communists Have the Music” by They Might Be Giants is a lively and thought-provoking song that intertwines political ideologies with the power and influence of music. It encourages listeners to consider alternative perspectives and highlights the role of music in shaping our beliefs. Next time you listen to the song, take a moment to reflect on your own relationship with music and the ideas it represents.
Album title: My Murdered Remains (2018)
Credits
Produced By Patrick Dillett & They Might Be Giants
Written By John Flansburgh & John Linnell
Release Date: September 11, 2018
Tags: Rock, Alternative Rock
