Meaning of "Two-Sided Politics" by Suicidal Tendencies

"Two-Sided Politics" by Suicidal Tendencies is a powerful critique of societal systems that perpetuate inequality and unfairness. The overall message of the song is to highlight the hypocrisy and contradictions within the various institutions that claim to uphold justice, freedom, and equality. The lyrics reflect a sense of frustration and disillusionment, as the speaker feels marginalized and oppressed by society, religion, tradition, and politics.

The song begins by expressing the speaker's disapproval of society's judgment towards them, stating that society is anti-them rather than the other way around. This emphasizes the alienation they feel and their desire for personal freedom. They reject being labeled as anti-anything, suggesting a refusal to conform to the expectations and norms imposed by these institutions. The repetition of "I just wanna be free" further emphasizes their yearning for liberation from the constraints placed upon them.

The song then delves into the critique of a fascist state, where control over oneself is the only way to achieve freedom. The lyrics suggest that self-expression, which should be a fundamental right, can lead to loss of freedom and being deemed undesirable, thus resulting in imprisonment. This highlights the double standards and contradictions within an oppressive system, where the mere act of asserting one's individuality can lead to severe consequences.

The lyrics also touch on the injustices perpetuated in war and everyday conflicts. Killing someone in a war and receiving a medal is celebrated and considered heroic, but protecting oneself in everyday battles as a minority can lead to imprisonment. This reveals the unequal treatment and discrimination faced by marginalized groups, further emphasizing the two-sided nature of the politics and institutions that claim to protect and uphold justice.

The mention of Reagan, the government, and politics in general, suggests that the speaker does not necessarily hold a personal grudge against them, but rather holds them responsible for perpetuating systems that are against their individual freedom. It highlights the disconnect between the higher echelons of power and the average person, particularly those who are marginalized or belong to lower socio-economic classes.

Moreover, the lyrics draw attention to the flaws in the legal system, asserting that innocence does not guarantee freedom. The stark contrast between a high-class lawyer being able to secure freedom for the guilty and the poor being presumed guilty even if they are innocent further demonstrates the systemic inequalities and biases within society.

In summary, "Two-Sided Politics" is a scathing critique of societal, political, and legal systems that perpetuate inequality and unfairness. The song exposes the hypocrisy and contradictions within these institutions and advocates for personal freedom and justice for all, irrespective of social standing, race, or economic status.