Meaning of "Your Emotions" by Dead Kennedys

The lyrics of "Your Emotions" convey a sense of rebellion against societal norms and the conformism perpetuated by authoritative figures such as parents, schools, and churches. The repetition of "Your mommy told you this and your daddy told you that" and "Your school told you this and your church told you that" emphasize the continuous stream of instructions and expectations imposed upon individuals. The song suggests that this constant indoctrination leads people to adopt predetermined patterns of thinking and feeling, stifling their ability to think for themselves and express their authentic emotions.

The reference to being a "tape recorder" and a "boring, boring, boring... machine recording" reinforces the idea that individuals have become mere vessels for regurgitating the information they have been taught, lacking originality and critical thinking. The lyrics assert that people's minds have become a compilation of recycled thoughts and emotions, echoing the sentiments of others without questioning or challenging them. This depiction of individuals as obedient automatons who lack agency reflects the frustration and disillusionment experienced by the punk subculture of the time.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of identity and self-awareness. The line "Which are really yours or are you just a copycat?" raises the question of whether individuals truly understand their own emotions or if they are merely imitating the feelings of others. This critique extends to society as a whole, suggesting that most people are replicas of one another, driven by external influences rather than genuine self-discovery.

The final lines of "Your emotions make you a monster" suggest that succumbing to one's emotions without introspection can lead to destructive behavior. While the song encourages individuals to break free from societal conditioning, it also cautions against blindly following one's emotions, as they can become overwhelming and drive individuals to act in monstrous ways.