Song Meaning
The lyrics open with a provocative declaration: "We are slaves." This immediate subversion sets a defiant tone, as the speaker quickly redefines what it means to be labeled as such. They describe a chosen identity marked by simple pleasures and a clear sense of self.
A central tension emerges from the stark contrast between "We" and "You." The "We" group dismisses material concerns, stating "It don't matter" if they lack possessions or even a home. Their contentment is found in "loud music and long hair," standing in direct opposition to the "You" group, whom the lyrics accuse of hate, preferring "the war," and even fratricide over money.
The most striking craft element is the ironic reclamation of the word "slaves." Far from depicting subjugation, the phrase "That's slaves time" becomes a powerful assertion of autonomy and a chosen way of life. It suggests a liberation from conventional societal expectations, where their defining characteristics are not trivialities but fundamental necessities, shaping their unique "mind."
The lyrics effectively build a sense of collective pride and moral superiority through blunt, declarative statements. The simple language makes the "We vs. You" dichotomy feel urgent and absolute. By positioning themselves as "better" and warning the "You" group not to "cross our way," the lyrics create a compelling narrative of a self-possessed group asserting its distinct values and demanding respect in a world they perceive as corrupt.