Meaning of "Fighting Trousers" by Professor Elemental

The lyrics of "Fighting Trousers" present a satirical critique of authenticity and artistic integrity within the rap genre. Professor Elemental confronts a fellow rapper who is depicted as an imitator, specifically parodying the Professor's own musical style known as chap hop. The Professor takes offense to this impersonation and challenges the impostor to prove his worth as a genuine rapper. The song portrays the Professor as an established and respected artist with a dedicated fanbase, while belittling the impersonator as lacking originality and resorting to gimmicks like a granddad's mustache and a ukulele. It also suggests that the impersonator has sold out to corporate brands like Coca-Cola, which is seen as compromising artistic freedom and credibility.

The lyrics use humor and playful language to attack the impersonator's legitimacy, comparing him to George Formby, a British entertainer known for his comedic performances. The mention of Peter Duncan, a British TV presenter, further emphasizes the lack of talent and entertainment value attributed to the impersonator. By contrasting himself as a "bright Brighton peer" to the impersonator as "rap's Piers Morgan," the Professor elevates his own status and credibility while denouncing the impersonator's reputation. The mention of ciphers, workshops, and performances for children and audiences emphasizes the Professor's dedication to his craft and the perceived shallowness of the impersonator's approach.

In the final verse, the Professor declares that the impersonator is banned from using a pen, symbolizing his exclusion from the realm of true artistry and expression. The demand for the impersonator to leave the town and end his mimicry further solidifies the Professor's claim to the genre and asserts his dominance. Through these lyrics, the song argues for the importance of originality and artistic integrity, highlighting the consequences of selling out and imitating instead of creating.