Class

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a world where civility and old-fashioned manners have vanished, replaced by a perceived free-for-all of rudeness and moral decay. The opening lines from Velma lament the loss of "fair dealing and pure ethics and nice manners," immediately setting a tone of nostalgic disappointment. This sentiment is echoed by Mama Morton, who misses simple courtesies like "Please, may I?" and "Yes, thank you," suggesting a societal shift towards blatant self-interest and a lack of basic respect. The central tension arises from this stark contrast between a remembered past of "class" and a present characterized by vulgarity and disrespect. The lyrics explicitly state, "Now every son of a bitch is a snake in the grass," and more bluntly, "There ain't no ladies now, there's only pigs and whores." This dramatic language underscores the narrator's feeling that societal standards have plummeted, leaving a void where politeness and decency once resided. The most striking aspect of the writing is its blunt, almost aggressive cataloging of perceived transgressions. The lyrics don't just state that manners are gone; they offer visceral examples like children being "pigs and whores" and knocking people down, or the crude observation about passing gas without apology. This unflinching portrayal, while harsh, amplifies the sense of shock and dismay at the perceived breakdown of social order. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw, unfiltered expression of disillusionment. By juxtaposing idealized memories with harsh present realities and employing provocative language, the song creates a potent emotional impact. It taps into a feeling of bewilderment and frustration, making the listener confront the perceived decline of civility through a series of unflattering, yet memorable, observations.