Too Good for the Average Man

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark, cynical picture of class division, tracing its roots from "white" Russia to Tudor England. It immediately establishes a world where privilege is hoarded and the masses are dismissed as "unfortunate asses." The central refrain, "Is too good for the average man," becomes a darkly humorous mantra, underscoring a pervasive sense of entitlement. The core tension lies in the blatant hypocrisy and rationalization of inequality. The song doesn't lament the poor; instead, it adopts the voice of the privileged, sarcastically cheering "Sing la and huzzah." This line exposes a deep-seated contempt, suggesting that empathy is conditional and self-serving, only extending to those who are "your folks." The lyrics masterfully use ironic juxtaposition. While "finer things" might seem obvious, the song extends this logic to absurd and disturbing lengths. Even negative experiences like "waking in the alcoholic ward" or "cutting off your face" are deemed "too good" for the common person, implying that even misfortune is a luxury reserved for the elite. The variations in the refrain, from "average man" to "rabbit," "can," and "floozy," subtly dehumanize the working class, reinforcing their perceived inferiority. What makes these lyrics so effective is their unflinching, satirical gaze at systemic classism. They don't just describe inequality; they embody the callous, entitled perspective that perpetuates it. The final, provocative line, which suggests that even waking up to find one is a girl is a privilege, serves as a jarring punchline, underscoring the suffocating limitations imposed by class on personal transformation and identity.