Meaning of "Pull My Strings" by Dead Kennedys

"Pull My Strings" is a scathing critique of the music industry and the commodification of art. Dead Kennedys, known for their punk ideology and social commentary, take aim at the sellout mentality and the pursuit of fame at any cost. The lyrics portray an artist who is willing to sacrifice their integrity and creativity in exchange for commercial success and wealth.

The song mocks the prevalence of manufactured pop stars who lack originality and creativity. The singer expresses a desire to be a "prefab superstar," someone who can easily be molded and controlled by the industry. They are willing to play boring music and have no ideas of their own, emphasizing the lack of artistic value in mainstream music. The lyrics cynically suggest that all it takes to succeed in the industry is to engage in sex, drugs, and rock and roll - a shallow and simplistic formula that is far from the reality of creating meaningful art.

The references to payola, a practice in which radio stations accept payment for playing certain songs, highlight the corruption and manipulation within the industry. The artist is willing to sell their soul and have their strings pulled by those in power in order to achieve fame and success. The lyrics also mock the idea that meeting famous people, such as Bob Hope, is a measure of success. The inclusion of golf and drugs in this scenario further satirizes the shallow and materialistic nature of celebrity culture.

Overall, "Pull My Strings" serves as an indictment of the music industry and the societal values it perpetuates. It highlights the compromises and sacrifices artists may make in order to achieve stardom, as well as the exploitation and corruption that exist behind the scenes. Dead Kennedys challenge the notion of success and fame, questioning whether it is worth sacrificing one's authenticity and creative vision.