Meaning of "Put A Flower In Your Pocket" by The Arcs

The lyrics of "Put A Flower In Your Pocket" carry a deeper meaning about resilience and self-preservation in the face of adversity. The verse "Put a flower in your pocket, if you see them boy, you drop it, and you run, run" suggests the idea of carrying a symbol of beauty and hope, even in the midst of a difficult environment. It's a reminder to keep moving forward and not let negativity or hardships deter you from your goals.

The lyrics also highlight the duplicity of people in the city, with lines like "They may pretend they like you, but man's best friend will bite you, just for fun, fun." This suggests that not everyone can be trusted, and it's important to be cautious and not let others take advantage of you. The line "If they're gunning for you boy, you've already won" further emphasizes the idea that overcoming challenges and staying true to yourself is a victory in itself.

The chorus of the song focuses on the struggle of everyday life and the need to persevere. "With tired eyes and bills to pay, you gotta make it through another day" captures the exhaustion and responsibilities that come with living in the city. The line "It ain't where ya been but where you're gonna go" speaks to the importance of focusing on the future and not dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities.

Overall, the lyrics convey a message of resilience, urging listeners to keep pushing forward despite the challenges they may face. It encourages a mindset of perseverance and self-care in the midst of a fast-paced and sometimes unforgiving world.