Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of the devastating consequences of someone acting as an informer. The opening lines immediately establish the emotional fallout, detailing a family left in ruins with "18 years" seemingly lost and "baby boy baby girl" facing a "living hell." This sets a tone of profound regret and anger directed at the informer's actions. The central tension lies in the perceived justification versus the actual outcome. The narrator acknowledges the harsh reality of poverty, stating "life on the dole ain't no fun," suggesting a possible motive for the betrayal. However, this is directly contrasted with the severe, irreversible damage inflicted: "You didn't have to name him to the law," leading to children growing up "Without a dad coz of you." The repeated phrase "Shouldn't have been done" acts as a damning refrain, emphasizing the moral weight of the informer's choice. It’s not just a statement of regret, but a judgment on the act itself, regardless of the circumstances. The lyrics highlight the stark contrast between the informer's potential desperation and the permanent suffering they've caused. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics comes from their directness and focus on the human cost. By centering on the "family drowning in tears" and the children's future, the song bypasses abstract notions of justice and instead delivers a raw, emotional indictment of betrayal and its lasting, destructive impact.