Meaning of "Jerkin' Back 'n' Forth" by Devo

"Jerkin' Back 'n' Forth" by Devo explores the idea of being manipulated and controlled by someone else, leading to feelings of frustration and disillusionment. The lyrics depict a power dynamic where one person allows another to dictate their actions, but as things start to unravel, they realize that the other person's confidence and influence are detestable. The repeated phrases "lookin' up high" and "searchin' down low" suggest a sense of confusion and disorientation as the speaker tries to make sense of their situation. The lines about suffering and acceptance highlight the idea of being conditioned to endure pain and settle for less, ultimately blaming the other person for the way their life has turned out. The metaphor of a dirty window symbolizes a distorted view of reality, implying that the speaker is trapped in a cycle of manipulation and cannot see clearly. Overall, the song conveys a sense of helplessness and resentment towards being controlled by someone else.