Meaning of "Acts Of Man" by Frightened Rabbit

"Acts Of Man" explores the concept of toxic masculinity and the negative impact it has on both men and women. The lyrics paint a picture of men who exhibit selfish, cowardly, and violent behaviors, from giving wine to someone else's partner to engaging in physical violence. The idea of the "heroic acts of man" is juxtaposed with the reality of these men's actions, revealing a gap between societal expectations of masculinity and the actual behavior exhibited. The song highlights the struggle of wanting to be a better person, to be a hero, but ultimately falling short due to ingrained toxic behaviors. It critiques the societal norms that pressure men to conform to a toxic version of masculinity, ultimately leading to destructive consequences. The repetition of "Not here, not here, Heroic acts of man" serves as a stark reminder of the lack of true heroism in the actions portrayed in the song.