Meaning of "Rough Trade" by Stiff Little Fingers

The lyrics of "Rough Trade" by Stiff Little Fingers paint a powerful picture of the music industry's deceitful practices, with record labels luring young, hopeful musicians with promises of stardom and riches. It exposes the harsh reality of a business driven solely by profit and the exploitation of naive artists. The frustration and anger expressed in the lyrics highlight the disappointment and betrayal felt by the band when they realize that their dreams were shattered by lies and manipulation. The defiance in the face of deception represents a resilience to take control of their own destiny, find trustworthy allies, and pursue their music career without being taken advantage of again.