Community

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a raw plea for emotional detachment, as the narrator asks, "Can you show me how not to feel," desiring a "heart of steel." This immediate vulnerability is underscored by the image of "the devil at my heel," suggesting constant struggle and torment while navigating city streets. This personal desperation quickly broadens into a societal critique, contrasting the speaker's destitution—"ain't got no place to call my own, I ain't got no job or plan"—with a call for collective action. The central tension lies in the individual's profound need for help against a backdrop of widespread apathy, where "All these people, they don't feel a thing" or care for their "fellow man." The chorus offers a powerful solution: "how much we need community." It proposes a radical shift, suggesting "We'll ignore economies, and become a family," directly condemning "Greed is a disease, greed is never pleased." This stark contrast between economic systems and human connection highlights the lyrics' core argument, emphasizing that genuine support comes from shared humanity, not material wealth. The repeated personal appeals, like "Would you love me, either way," ground this grand vision in an intimate, relatable yearning. Ultimately, the lyrics move from a cry for personal salvation to a manifesto for collective strength. The repeated assertion, "Our strength will be our unity," encapsulates the belief that mutual aid and solidarity can overcome hardship. The liner notes further amplify this conviction, painting a vivid picture of "soulless faceless parasitic men of greed" and asserting that a "tight-knit community" is the only defense, a truth the narrator claims to have personally witnessed.