Meaning of "We've Been Had" by Uncle Tupelo

"We've Been Had" by Uncle Tupelo is a song that delves into themes of disillusionment and betrayal. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where everything that once seemed pure and genuine has been tainted by deception. The guitar leaning on a Marshall stack that once symbolized hope and positivity now represents a realization that things are not as they seem. The young girl screaming in the back and the eardrum bleeding in the narrator's head serve as metaphors for the harsh realities and disappointments faced in life. The mention of Republicans, Democrats, and parents who withhold truths until adulthood further emphasizes the theme of disillusionment with authority figures and the systems they represent. The repeated idea that every star waiting for its cover to be blown suggests that the truth behind these facades will eventually come out. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of loss of innocence and the recognition that the world is not always as honest and pure as it initially appears.