Meaning of "José" by Stealers Wheel

The lyrics of "José" paint a picture of a demanding and authoritarian figure, possibly an employer or a parent, addressing someone named José and pressuring them to work hard without any breaks or distractions. The repetition of commands and the urgency in the tone of the lyrics suggest a sense of control and oversight, creating a tense and restrictive atmosphere. The mention of José's life being in a mess implies that there might be personal struggles or challenges he is facing, making the demands placed upon him even more difficult to bear. The mention of needing a pound of flesh could allude to the idea of extracting the maximum amount of effort or sacrifice from José, emphasizing the harsh and unforgiving nature of the expectations placed upon him. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of pressure, control, and the relentless pursuit of productivity in the face of personal difficulties and challenges.