The lyrics narrate the story of a person whose photograph was taken in 1980 on a subway train in New York. The person is described as a criminal with scars on his face and a cold heart. The song expresses uncertainty about whether the person is dead or facing serious trouble.

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Meaning of "Dead or in Serious Trouble" by Kaiser Chiefs


The lyrics of "Dead or in Serious Trouble" by Kaiser Chiefs seem to depict a shady character living on the edge of society, surrounded by beggars, bankers, flyboys, and hookers. The repeated refrain questioning whether the person is dead or in serious trouble hints at a life filled with danger and uncertainty. The mention of a photograph taken in 1980 can be seen as a metaphor for the past catching up with this person in the present. The song paints a picture of someone who is perhaps self-destructive, constantly on the run, and haunted by their own demons. The references to a stone in place of a heart and scars on the face suggest emotional and physical damage, possibly stemming from a turbulent and troubled past. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of mystery, danger, and a life lived on the fringes of society.