Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a group's failed attempt at protest or uprising, initially fueled by a strong sense of unity and purpose. There's an immediate contrast between the "sense of enterprise" and "attitudes that conquer fear" and the swift, brutal suppression that follows. The initial feeling of "togetherness" and having "our say" is immediately undercut by the image of "Hands in handcuffs dragged away," met with "cheers of hate and victory." This sets up a core tension: a collective will to act against perceived injustice, met with indifference and outright hostility from the established order. The central conflict arises from the group's struggle against an unfeeling, powerful entity they call "the city." This entity dismisses their actions as a "game," highlighting a profound disconnect and lack of empathy. The lyrics suggest this indifference is systemic, as the "city won't stop til attitudes change." The narrator's group, despite their "inexperience" and lack of resources, tried to use "common sense," but were met with dehumanizing language from law enforcement, who essentially told them, "If you act like rats you get treated like this." This quote directly links their perceived status to their treatment, a cruel irony when they are later called "Rats in the cellars of the stock exchange." The most striking craft element is the recurring, defiant metaphor of the "rats." Initially used as an insult by the authorities, the group reclaims it, transforming it into a symbol of resilience and underground persistence. The bridge further clarifies the motivations behind the protest, pointing to "Money gained from third world nations" and "All that money spent on war," suggesting a critique of economic exploitation and misplaced priorities. The repeated promise, "we'll be back again next time 'round," transforms the defeat into a temporary setback, a testament to an unyielding spirit despite being "dragged away."