Song Meaning
The track opens with a pithy, almost aphoristic statement: "It's nice to be important / And important to be nice." This sets up a seemingly simple dichotomy between social standing and personal conduct. The immediate implication is that genuine worth lies not just in status, but in how one treats others. The instrumental breaks serve to punctuate this initial thought, allowing it to settle before the core message is delivered.
This core message, hammered home in the chorus, centers on a plea for behavioral change. The lyrics directly confront rudeness, stating plainly "it's not nice to be rude." This isn't just a suggestion; it's presented as a fundamental truth that necessitates a "change our way of life" and a "check our attitude." The repetition of these lines amplifies the urgency, suggesting a widespread societal issue that requires collective introspection and action.
The most striking aspect of the craft here is the insistent, almost chant-like repetition of the chorus's central phrases. This isn't subtle; it's a direct, unwavering call to attention. The slight variation in the final chorus, posing the call as a question – "Can't we change this way of life?" – introduces a flicker of doubt or perhaps a final, desperate appeal. It shifts the tone from declarative to interrogative, leaving the listener to ponder the possibility of change.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their directness and their almost nursery-rhyme simplicity, which belies a serious social commentary. By stripping away complex metaphor and focusing on clear, repeated imperatives, the song lodges its message firmly in the listener's mind. It's a blunt instrument, designed not for nuanced interpretation but for immediate, visceral impact, urging a fundamental shift in how we interact with each other.
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