Of smart pretty Fellows

Song Meaning

The lyrics introduce a specific social critique, painting a picture of "smart pretty Fellows" in Bristol. These individuals are depicted as so consumed by being "modish" that they dismiss "plain sense cumbersome." The immediate tone is one of sharp, almost dismissive, observation. The central tension here lies in the conflict between genuine thought and performative intellectualism. The lyrics suggest these "Fellows" aren't driven by conviction, but by a fear of social judgment: "lest they should seem to be queer or ridiculous." Their rejection of traditional beliefs, encompassing both divine and infernal figures, is presented less as a deeply held philosophical stance and more as a calculated affectation. This reveals a superficiality where social standing trumps authentic inquiry. The most striking craft element is the pointed use of irony and specific word choice. The phrase "affect to believe" is particularly potent, highlighting the pretense behind their intellectual posture. It's not that they genuinely disbelieve, but that they *feign* disbelief to appear sophisticated. The casual inclusion of "old Nicholas!" alongside "God" further underscores the narrator's cynical view, suggesting they're rejecting established figures simply to appear edgy, rather than from any profound conviction. This linguistic choice makes their intellectual snobbery feel both performative and a little childish. These lyrics are effective because they offer a concise, cutting commentary on intellectual vanity and social conformity. By framing the rejection of "plain sense" and traditional beliefs as a fashionable trend, the writer critiques those who prioritize appearing sophisticated over genuine inquiry. The sharp, rhyming couplets deliver this observation with a memorable, almost epigrammatic, punch, making the critique feel both timeless and pointed.