Meaning of 'Uncle Remus'

by Frank Zappa

Interpretation

"Uncle Remus" is a song by Frank Zappa that ironically and satirically addresses the themes of racism, social injustice, and the American Dream.

The lyrics mention the character "Uncle Remus," who is a character from the stories of American writer Joel Chandler Harris. Uncle Remus is an old African American man who lived as a slave and is portrayed in the stories as a wise and experienced narrator.

The song begins with the question of why things don't progress faster, why it's going so slow. This can be a metaphor for progress in society. Then Uncle Remus is mentioned, who symbolically represents the oppressed and disadvantaged.

The lyrics comment on the way people are treated based on their clothing or skin color. The line "We look pretty sharp in these clothes (yes, we do)" shows that outward appearance often determines how people are treated. But even if one is well-dressed, they can still face discrimination ("Unless we get sprayed with a hose").

The song raises the question of whether working hard and adapting is enough to achieve acceptance and success. The line "Just keep yer nose to the grindstone, they say, Will that redeem us Uncle Remus" shows that society often suggests that hard work and adaptation are enough to gain recognition and redemption.

The lyrics also play with the concept of the "American Dream." The protagonist is excited that their Afro hair has fully grown, as this can be a symbol of accepting one's own identity. They plan to go to Beverly Hills and throw the "little jockeys" off the lawns of the rich. This can be interpreted as an act of resistance against social injustice and inequality.

Overall, the lyrics of Frank Zappa's song "Uncle Remus" satirically criticize existing social structures and call for standing up against injustice and discrimination.