Barking Up The Wrong Tree (Such Is Life)

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a stark contrast, celebrating "great big blue eyes" and "laughter lines" even as an "ill wind blows." This immediate juxtaposition sets a tone of finding light amidst darkness, a personal resilience against external gloom. The speaker quickly asserts a lack of "inhibitions," suggesting a refusal to be constrained by societal expectations. They seem to embrace an unvarnished self. A core tension emerges between the speaker's inner world and external judgments. The repeated refrain, "If you think that a noose 'round my neck makes a happy man of me, you're barking up the wrong tree," powerfully rejects others' misinterpretations or attempts to define their happiness. This isn't just about being misunderstood; it's about a defiant refusal to be broken or made content by oppressive forces. The lyrics masterfully employ sharp, often sarcastic imagery to critique superficiality and injustice. The description of "glamour model types" as "dressed as a naked chef making his powder puff" is a brilliant, cutting observation, exposing the absurdity of contrived appearances. This vivid, almost absurd comparison highlights the speaker's disdain for pretense and their keen eye for hypocrisy. It's a memorable image that sticks with the listener. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their unflinching honesty and directness. The speaker moves from personal grievances, like "cold damp mornings," to broader moral outrage against "idiots who say for tusks killing elephants is not unjust," and the shocking disparity between "marksmen armed with guns" and "a man with a table leg." This range, coupled with the recurring "barking up the wrong tree" motif, creates a compelling portrait of someone who sees the world clearly and refuses to let its injustices or misunderstandings define them. The repeated "such is life, as Ned once said" adds a layer of world-weary wisdom, a fatalistic acceptance that doesn't diminish the speaker's fight.