Ignore The Ignorant

Song Meaning

The narrator paints a picture of a restless spirit, feeling a connection to many places and undeterred by the changing local tongues. There's a sense of past conflict, a declared "war over," yet the heart hasn't caught up, leading to a dramatic declaration of "throwing England to the dogs." This sets up a feeling of internal turmoil masked by outward resilience. The core tension arises from a desperate need to be "in the right," a conviction so strong the narrator would "give my life" for it. However, this conviction is challenged by the inability to ignore those who don't understand or agree. The plea to "see it through" and the assertion that "It's now down to you" suggests a burden being passed, a hope that someone else can validate this righteous stance. The most striking lyrical device is the contrast between the past and present self: "you want the boy that is / You will never change the boy that was." This highlights a fundamental disconnect, perhaps between external perception and internal reality, or between what others desire and what is immutable. The phrase "scrub up rather well" adds a layer of superficial polish that belies this unchangeable core, making the inability to "ignore the ignorant" even more poignant. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their portrayal of a deeply personal struggle for validation. The narrator’s willingness to sacrifice everything for correctness, coupled with the frustration of encountering persistent ignorance, creates a powerful emotional resonance. The repeated command to "Ignore the ignorant" feels less like advice and more like a desperate, internal mantra against an overwhelming tide of misunderstanding.