The lyrics of "Dear Abby" by Dead Kennedys tell the story of a hard-working and underpaid county coroner who can't afford meat for his family, so he brings home cuts from his autopsy subjects and serves them in meals. His family enjoys the meals, but his son starts asking questions about the meat. Feeling guilty and unsure of what to do, he seeks advice from Dear Abby, who advises him to consult a clergyman and bless the bodies to keep everything fine.

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Meaning of "Dear Abby" by Dead Kennedys


"Dear Abby" by Dead Kennedys satirizes the socio-economic issues prevalent during the Reaganomics era in the United States. The song criticizes the widening wealth gap and income inequality that forced hard-working individuals to resort to extreme measures to put food on the table. The county coroner's dilemma of providing meat for his family highlights the desperation and absurdity faced by ordinary people in a society driven by policies that favor the wealthy and neglect the working class. The dark humor in the lyrics, with the portrayal of serving autopsy cuts to the family, underscores the bleak reality faced by many struggling to make ends meet. The reference to consulting a clergyman and blessing the bodies adds a layer of irony, implying that seeking spiritual guidance is the only solution in a system that fails to provide adequate support for its citizens.