Meaning of "Lip Service" by Max Webster

The lyrics of "Lip Service" delve into the themes of social inequality, class privilege, and the disconnect between the affluent and the disadvantaged. The song opens by describing a lawyer's wife living in luxury but engaging in shallow acts of kindness, such as serving liver hors d'oeuvres to guests, highlighting her detachment from the real struggles of the world. The reference to pushing up wheat for the hungry suggests a call to action and a critique of the inaction of the wealthy elite. The mention of the canker banker emphasizes the greed and self-serving nature of those in positions of financial power who exploit resources for personal gain. The cryptic mentions of revolutionary figures like Krushchev, Lennon, Kennedy, and Tito underscore the idea of missed opportunities for social change and progress due to the indifference and self-centeredness of the privileged class. The final line about only your right hand knowing you're left-handed is a metaphor for the deceit and duplicity of those who feign charity while secretly looking out for their own interests.

Overall, "Lip Service" serves as a scathing critique of the hypocrisy and shallowness of those who possess wealth and power but fail to use it for the betterment of society. The lyrics challenge listeners to look beyond surface-level gestures of generosity and demand genuine action and compassion towards those in need. It speaks to the importance of social responsibility and the need to bridge the gap between the privileged few and the struggling many in order to create a more equitable world.