You Are What You Is [Live At The Palladium - 10/31/81 - Show 1 - Take 1]

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a defiant, almost nonsensical assertion of self-identity, encapsulated by the repeated phrase "You are what you is." This refrain dismisses external judgment and ambiguity, insisting on an immutable core truth. The opening chorus acts as a declaration, a playful but firm statement that one’s current state is their only reality, rejecting hypothetical or contradictory notions of self. It’s a call to acknowledge and accept one’s inherent nature, however unconventional. The brief verse about a "foolish young man / From a middle class family / Started singing the blues" offers a glimpse into a potential narrative of someone deviating from expectations. This individual, seemingly from a conventional background, chooses a path associated with hardship and emotional expression, aligning with the chorus’s theme of embracing one’s chosen or inherent identity. The contrast between the mundane origin and the chosen artistic path hints at a personal declaration of self that transcends societal norms. The spoken interlude injects a dose of chaotic, live-performance energy, directly addressing the audience and the immediate environment. The sudden shift to discussing "feedback" and a "gremlin" on Halloween adds a layer of meta-commentary on the performance itself, grounding the abstract lyrical themes in the tangible, unpredictable reality of a live show. This interruption, rather than derailing the message, reinforces the idea of embracing the present moment and the inherent messiness of existence, much like the chorus’s core message. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their blunt, rhythmic insistence on self-acceptance. The playful grammar and the abrupt, almost confrontational spoken word sections create a unique texture. It’s a raw, unvarnished embrace of what is, encouraging listeners to look at their own realities without apology, much like the narrator seems to be doing amidst the performance's own unexpected turns.