Meaning of "Who Is Who" by Adolescents
The lyrics of "Who Is Who" delve into the sense of alienation and confusion that many individuals feel in their lives, particularly during adolescence. The narrator begins by expressing their frustration with their friends, labeling them as a "fucking joke" and emphasizing their need to "get their act together." It is clear that the narrator feels judged and misunderstood by these individuals who are supposed to be their support system.
The narrator's isolation is further reinforced when they discuss being "cast out" by their relatives who don't want them around. This rejection leads the narrator to withdraw, sitting silently in a corner. This imagery suggests a deep feeling of loneliness and marginalization.
The second verse explores the narrator's complex relationship with authority figures. While policemen are described as friends, their constant staring raises suspicion and discomfort. The mention of raids on clubs and condemnation of short hair suggests a clash between the narrator's subculture and societal norms.
Teachers, who are meant to be guides and mentors, also contribute to the narrator's feelings of frustration and confusion. Making the narrator stand in front of a class of "gawking fools" implies a lack of understanding and empathy from the educational system. The narrator yearns for someone who truly comprehends their struggles and identity.
The repeated plea of "Please tell me who is who" reflects the narrator's desperate search for authenticity and trustworthiness in the world around them. The walls closing in and the world falling apart represent the overwhelming feeling of chaos and uncertainty that accompanies these experiences of rejection and confusion.
Ultimately, "Who Is Who" speaks to the universal desire to belong and be understood. It highlights the difficulties that individuals, especially those in marginalized or rebellious subcultures, face in finding genuine connections and support in a society that often rejects or misunderstands them.
