Follow Fashion

Song Meaning

The lyrics of "Follow Fashion" present a pointed critique of superficiality and envy, particularly within familial dynamics. The repeated question, "A weh you a gwan with?" (What are you up to?/What are you doing?), functions as a direct challenge to someone perceived as blindly chasing trends. This isn't just about clothes; it's about a way of being that the narrator finds baffling and potentially destructive. The opening line, referencing a "Follow Fashion Monkey," immediately establishes a tone of mockery for those who mimic without thought. The central tension arises from the contrast between the narrator's own self-assured style and the subject's imitative behavior. The narrator boasts about looking "slick" in a "three-piece," implying a genuine sense of personal style. However, this confidence is immediately juxtaposed with the perceived emptiness of the other person's fashion choices. The lyrics suggest this imitation stems from a place of insecurity or a desire to compete, especially when the narrator observes the subject's own brother also looking sharp in a "three-piece suit." The most striking aspect is the turn in Verse 3, where the critique shifts from fashion to outright aggression. The narrator warns against fighting or trying to "gun him down" – referring to the brother. This implies that the obsession with keeping up with appearances has escalated into a dangerous rivalry, turning a pursuit of style into a destructive conflict. The phrase "follow fashion" becomes a metaphor for a harmful, competitive mindset that pits individuals against each other, even family. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their bluntness and the stark escalation from superficial imitation to violent envy. The narrator's repeated, almost exasperated questioning cuts through any pretense, forcing a confrontation with the underlying motivations behind the "fashion." The final line, "A my sweet country you come from," adds a layer of bewilderment, as if to say this shallow, aggressive behavior is out of place even in the narrator's own world.