Meaning of "Catcliffe Shakedown" by Pulp

"Catcliffe Shakedown" offers a scathing critique of working-class life in a small town, highlighting the desperation and monotony that can come with it. The lyrics depict a community where the residents are resigned to their circumstances, engaging in futile acts of rebellion like setting fire to farts or dreaming of opening an airport. There's a sense of ennui and disillusionment that permeates the song, with references to broken dreams, shattered aspirations, and a yearning for something more. The rainbow high above the viaduct serves as a symbol of false hope, advertising an unattainable ideal that only serves to highlight the stark reality of everyday life. The song juxtaposes the mundane existence of the townspeople with the escapist fantasies of the young boy listening for the train every morning, hinting at the cyclical nature of generational poverty and disenchantment. Overall, "Catcliffe Shakedown" critiques the loss of ambition, the decay of community spirit, and the grim reality of life in a forgotten town.