Meaning of "Hanging with the Wrong Crowd" by Ed Harcourt

The song "Hanging with the Wrong Crowd" explores the themes of rebellion, parental disapproval, and the struggle to fit in. Baby Jane is depicted as a young woman who is yearning for freedom and independence, seeking companionship with a group of friends that her parents do not approve of. The lyrics suggest that she is feeling stifled and restricted by her family's expectations and is seeking a sense of identity and belonging outside of their control. The repeated chorus emphasizes the idea of being caught up in a negative environment with detrimental influences. Overall, the song captures the universal experience of wanting to break free from the constraints of one's upbringing and finding one's own path, even if it means making questionable choices.