When Those That Are Not Do Become Those That Are

Song Meaning

These lyrics paint a stark, unsettling picture of a world turned on its head. It's a place where the marginalized are celebrated, and the sacred is profaned. The repeated phrase, "When those that are not do become those that are," acts as a surreal mantra, signaling a complete inversion of norms. The central tension arises from this radical reversal of expectations. The lyrics consistently pit societal outcasts or perceived flaws against symbols of achievement, beauty, or virtue. This creates a provocative discomfort, forcing the reader to question the arbitrary nature of established values and hierarchies. It's a world where the unexpected isn't just possible, but inevitable. The craft here is all about jarring juxtaposition and dark irony. Consider the line, "Imperfect bodies will be perfectly scarred." This isn't just a reversal; it's a paradox, suggesting a twisted kind of perfection found in what society typically deems damaged or flawed. Similarly, "crowns for the martyr who's been feathered and tarred" offers a perverse reward for public humiliation, twisting shame into triumph. Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they refuse to let the listener settle. By presenting such extreme, often taboo, inversions—from "Nobel for retard" to "well-read Christians will be double-crossed whores"—the writing challenges our ingrained perceptions. It's a masterclass in using shocking imagery and relentless repetition to create a disorienting, yet strangely compelling, vision of societal upheaval.