☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics describe the experience and struggle of a working-class hero.
- Lennon criticizes society that belittles people and doesn't give them time to develop.
- The lyrics speak of painful experiences at home and at school.
- Lennon emphasizes that a working-class hero should be admired.
- The lyrics urge people to rise up against oppression and take control of their own lives.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Working Class Hero" by
John Lennon describe the experience and struggle of a working-class hero. Lennon criticizes society for making people feel small from birth and not giving them time to develop. This leads them to feel so small and insignificant that they can no longer feel anything. Lennon emphasizes that a working-class hero is something special and that these people deserve respect.
The text also speaks of the painful experiences people have at home and at school. Smart people are hated and fools are despised until they become so crazy that they can no longer follow the rules. Lennon emphasizes once again that a working-class hero should be admired.
Furthermore, Lennon describes how people are made dependent on religion, sex, and television to keep them compliant. He emphasizes that people think they are smart, classless, and free, but in reality, they are still peasants. Lennon emphasizes that a working-class hero is something special and admirable.
At the end of the text, Lennon says that there is still a place at the top, but to get there, people must learn to smile while they kill. He urges people to follow him if they want to be a hero.
Overall, this text criticizes the oppression and exploitation of the working class and conveys the idea that they are something special and admirable. The text urges people to rise up against this oppression and take control of their own lives.