Meaning of "I Should Be Allowed to Think" by They Might Be Giants

The lyrics of "I Should Be Allowed to Think" convey a strong desire for personal freedom and the frustration that arises from feeling constrained. The repeated phrase "I should be allowed to" implies a sense of entitlement, as if the speaker believes they are being unjustly restricted from expressing themselves. The mention of the best and worst minds/bands of the speaker's generation being destroyed and oppressed suggests a societal context in which creativity and individuality are stifled. The call for the ability to "glue my poster" represents a desire for artistic expression and the right to have one's ideas and beliefs be seen. The repetition of the line "I am not allowed to think" emphasizes the sense of oppression and implies that the speaker's thoughts are being suppressed. The reference to a "criminal government agent" further highlights a distrust and disdain for authority figures who control and limit their freedom. Overall, the song conveys a frustration with societal restrictions, a longing for personal expression, and a desire for the freedom to think and share thoughts openly.