Meaning of "Respectable Street" by XTC

"Respectable Street" delves into the theme of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to a certain image in suburban communities. The song highlights the extraordinary focus that people in this neighborhood place on external signs of respectability, such as the neatness of their hedgerows, the way their curtains open and close, and the judgmental looks they give others. It satirizes their obsession with maintaining a facade of decency, while criticizing their narrow-mindedness and the limited perspectives they hold.

The first verse introduces the listener to the conformist attitudes of the neighbors, emphasizing their obsession with orderliness. The slamming of the car door by one of the neighbors is seen as a violation of the neighborhood's strict social norms and an affront to the supposed sense of respectability. The second verse touches upon taboo topics like abortion and contraception, illustrating the superficiality of the residents who discuss these issues casually and with little true understanding.

The third verse mocks the residents' preoccupations with diseases and sexual gratification, implying that their concerns are shallow and focused solely on personal pleasure. The Avon lady's entry into the neighborhood is met with disdain as she disturbs the tranquility of the residents' static lives. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song amplifies the irony and emphasizes the conformist mindset prevalent in the neighborhood.

The final verse portrays the superficiality of the residents' religious practices, as they attend Sunday church but engage in debauchery on Saturday nights. The protagonist is met with disapproval from the neighbors when they play their music too loud, further highlighting the residents' critical and judgmental nature. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "He realise this is respectable street," which suggests that despite the protagonist being aware of the conformist nature of the neighborhood, they are still affected by the judgment and pressure to conform.

Overall, "Respectable Street" serves as a critique of suburban society and its emphasis on appearances and conformity. The lyrics expose the hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness prevalent in these communities by highlighting the residents' obsession with maintaining an image of respectability while disregarding genuine human connection and understanding.