The lyrics of "Anti-Music Song" by The Mountain Goats talk about the speaker seeing someone on TV doing bad imitations of famous musicians like Van Morrison, Morrissey, Jimi Hendrix, and Brian Wilson, expressing disdain towards both the imitators and the musicians they are imitating.

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Meaning of "Anti-Music Song" by The Mountain Goats


The song "Anti-Music Song" by The Mountain Goats seems to criticize the lack of originality in modern music and the prevalence of imitation over innovation. The speaker's distaste for the imitators stems from their inability to create their own unique sound, instead choosing to mimic the styles of well-known artists. By referencing names like Van Morrison, Morrissey, Jimi Hendrix, and Brian Wilson, the song highlights how these artists have left a significant mark on music history, making it difficult for newer musicians to break away from their shadows. The repeated refrain of "I don't like you" emphasizes the speaker's strong dislike for individuals who fail to carve out their own identities in the music industry.