Term Test #2
Prompt:
Select one song to write about. In your answer, discuss what the song reveals about the themes of the
course. Not every song will necessarily touch on all of the themes. Before choosing the song to write on,
make sure that you are able to discuss it fully.
This is not primarily a memory exercise. While detail will help to prove your argument (and there may be
words or terms in the lyrics that you need to look up to understand), it is more important that you
demonstrate a broad understanding of the course themes. Approach the lyrics creatively, with an open
mind – use your imagination to think of the impact they might have had on the generation that first heard
them.
Lyrics:
Commented [AB1]: Very similar style to the style of Here
We Are Nowhere. Starting with a hook line to gather the
attention of their audience. This band largely spoke on the
political situation surrounding The Troubles in Northern
Ireland. This mindset is relatable as a youth myself and
many youth in the current day.
Commented [AB2]: Insights into what is the norm with
the youth of this age
Commented [AB3]: This is exemplary of the attitude that
resonates with youth when you live in a time of political
hardship. The last line touches on a topic that is
frequently in the historical lens as well as the current days
media lens where we are always looking for ways for
instant gratification. This life style can be found to not
really be sustrainable long term which seems to be the
lesson that we learn as we grow old
(Stiff Little Fingers – 1979)
Commented [AB4]: The first instance of the chorus tells
us what the motive of the songwriter is. The urge for
exploration and discovery of what lies in land where more...
Ain't got no money but I don't give a damn
'Cause when I get it I spend it as fast as I can
Ain't got no worries at least none as I can see
Got to make a fast connection then I'll be free, I gotta
Commented [AB6]: This song is more about the
potential of triumph and I think that it is more effective at ...
“Breakout”
Commented [AB5]: This summarizes what I just stated
in the first part. The rejection of the societal expectations
are warranted because thing don’t appear to be trending ...
Break out and leave this life behind
Break out and see what I can find
Commented [AB7]: This hits me hard at home because
it is truly so relatable to this day. As we enter the second
half of the decade and we begin to reflect on our time
...
Might lose I'm gonna try my luck
Might win don't really give a fuck
Commented [AB8]: I really like how this chorus acts as a
reminder of what the political statement is in this song. It
really does feel like a political rally after they’ve stopped ...
And I've gotta try because I've gotta know
If I'm a winner and the star of the show
Can't stand routine for another day
Rules and regulations getting in my way, I gotta
Break out and leave this life behind
Break out and see what I can find
Might lose, I'm gonna try my luck
Might win, don't really give a fuck and I
Won't let anyone put me down
I ain't gonna be nobody's clown
I won't be taken in by their promises, no
I'm gonna try on my terms this time
So if I can do it you can do it too
Why don't you try it, you got nothing to lose?
A boring job, living day to day-to-day
Do something different try to break away, I gotta
Commented [AB9]: Again a good hook that introduces
the main topic of this new verse between the chorus. In
this instance the topic is growing to the climax of their ...
Commented [AB10]: The clown at the Circus is always
told what to do by the Circus leader. I think that is more of
what the writer is trying to communicate here. As a side ...
Commented [AB11]: This line goes back to my previous
point and confirms that there was frustration directly
associated with those in power over the young adults just...
Commented [AB12]: Showing that authoritarian beliefs
will no longer be followed or relied on. The party leaders
had their chance and they have failed the youth in their ...
Commented [AB13]: After the bridge we get into the real
climax of the story that has been built by the band and
writers. Verse 3 looks to figuratively put the ball into the ...
Commented [AB14]: Using key points that are the most
relatable in the climax of their message serves as an
outstanding tool that really gets the listener in on the
...
Commented [AB15]: I like the transition from verse 3
into the final reminders of the cause and purpose of this ...
Break out and leave this life behind
Break out and see what I can find
Might lose, I'm gonna try my luck
Might win don't really give a fuck
Break out and leave this life behind
Break out and see what I can find
Might lose, I'm gonna try my luck and I
Might win, don't really give a fuck
Breakout
Breakout
Oh, oh
Summary:
➔ The first line of this song starts wit a very similar style to the style of another Stiff Little Fingers
song “Here We Are Nowhere”. Keeping with their style, this first line starts with a hook line to
gather the attention of their audience who was mainly other young adults looking to rebel. This
band largely spoke on the political situation surrounding The Troubles in Northern Ireland and
this song is no exception. The mindset introduced here in the first verse is relatable as a young
adult myself as we live with the continued a relatively poor economic outlook ahead of us along
with many changes in the political landscape as well.
➔ The second line of the first verse provides insights into what is the norm with the youth of this
age. Many felt that materialism should be rejected as happiness should be derived from more
meaningful means to provide more enriching self fulfillment.
➔ The third line is exemplary of the attitude that resonates with youth when you live in a time of
political hardship, they don’t have any tangible worries because everything is being delt with
bureaucratically most of the time meaning that their say has no real impact on the matter.
➔ The last line of the first verse touches on a topic that is frequently in the historical lens as well as
the current days media lens where we are always looking for ways for instant gratification. This
lifestyle can be found to not really be sustainable long term which seems to be the lesson that we
learn as we grow old.
➔ The first instance of the chorus tells us what the motive of the songwriter is. The urge for
exploration and discovery of what lies in land where more may be promised even if you are
risking entering a worse situation. That is the true effect of the desperation one would feel in this
situation: ‘It has been like this and been so bad for so long that I you couldn’t imagine it could be
worse elsewhere.’
➔ This summarizes what I just stated in the first part. The rejection of the societal expectations is
warranted because thing don’t appear to be trending in a positive direction soon, so this music is
meant to convey the message that there is more to life available for those listening regardless of
the risk associated with pursuing that goal.
➔ As a side note, I feel that this song is more about the potential of triumph, and I think that it is
more effective at persuading an audience then some of the other Stiff Little Finger’s songs that we
have reviewed
➔ The whole second verse hits me hard at home because it is truly so relatable to this day. As we
enter the second half of the decade and we begin to reflect on our time during a global pandemic,
it was hard to see or witness other countries or other individuals that chose to move away from
the regulations and rules that were imposed by many governments. I know a feel fully that they
did keep us safe from disease, but I think they had a similar effect that the youth of Northern
Ireland felt with their governing bodies. Social separation and division have lasting mental effects
on any group of people because we are inherently very social creatures. They were also led to
believe that their cause was worth the struggles it came with and for either side of the conflict, be
it the Irish Nationalist, or the Loyalist, they would one day earn what they fought each passing
year for.
➔ As the second instance of the chorus comes in I really like how it acts as a reminder of what the
political statement is in this song. It really does feel like a political rally after they’ve stopped at
each location the writer felt needed to be stopped and spoken too.
➔ Again, even with the bridge, the writers provide a good hook that quickly introduces the main
topic of this short bridge between the choruses. In this instance the topic is growing to the climax
of their message as they look to communicate what isn’t going to be tolerated any longer.
➔ In the second line of the bridge I think that the writer is trying to show that the clown at the
Circus is always told what to do by the Circus leader and this is how they feel in the mess they
live in, a continuous loop of comical mistakes that have a lasting toll on the ‘worker’ or citizens
of either political side. As a side point this also has a nod that the youth feel as though previous
attempts to gain independence have been brushed off and laughed at.
➔ The next line goes back to my previous point and confirms that there was frustration directly
associated with those in power over the young adults just looking to find their place in life that
they feel provides them the best prospects of being contributing citizens or citizens with proper
free will.
➔ After the bridge we get into the real climax of the story that has been built by the band and
writers. Verse 3 looks to figuratively put the ball into the court of the listeners of this time. As the
writer quite literally asks, “if I can do it you can do it too” The second line restates the goal to risk
the minimal comforts with todays life to potentially gain much more freedom and self fulfillment
➔ Using key points that are the most relatable in the climax of their message serves as an
outstanding tool that really gets the listener in on the movement. No one should deserve to be
forced to do a job they hate. That is no proper life to live nor is it something that should be
tolerated so it is just to resort to activism to make change in the troubled environment the youth
had been thrusted into by birthright.
➔ I like the transition from verse 3 into the final reminders of the cause and purpose of this political
commentary that The Stiff Little Fingers are looking to get across.
Formulated Response:
Stiff Little Fingers' song "Breakout" (1979) notably opens with a hook reminiscent of their style in "Here
We Are Nowhere" another song that we looked into in class and that I actually wrote a practice exam for
with Professor Vance. The first line, "Ain't got no money but I don't give a damn," immediately draws in
their audience, primarily young adults rebelling against societal norms. As taught in class the band often
tackled political themes related to The Troubles in Northern Ireland, and this song is no exception. The
sentiment of the opening line resonates with the struggles faced by many young people today, navigating
economic uncertainty and an ever-shifting political landscape.
The second line, "'Cause when I get it I spend it as fast as I can," reflects the era's rejection of
materialism. For many youths, happiness was sought through more meaningful, non-materialistic
pursuits, highlighting a desire for self-fulfillment beyond the constraints of consumer culture their parents
have become accustomed too. The third line, "Ain't got no worries at least none as I can see," captures the
sense of detachment felt by those living through political hardship. Many young people felt powerless,
with decisions made through bureaucratic channels, rendering their voices ineffective.
The final line of the first verse, "Got to make a fast connection then I'll be free," touches on the pursuit of
instant gratification—a theme that resonates both historically and in contemporary media. While the
desire for quick solutions is understandable, it also underscores the unsustainability of such an approach,
a realization that often comes with age and experience as I know well.
The first chorus introduces the song's central message: "Break out and leave this life behind, break out
and see what I can find." It encapsulates the desperation to escape an oppressive reality, even if the
alternative is uncertain. The sentiment that "it can't be worse than this" speaks to the depth of
hopelessness experienced during prolonged hardship. This reflects the socio-political climate of Northern
Ireland, where young people felt trapped by both economic stagnation and political turmoil.
The chorus reinforces the song's core idea: rejecting societal expectations is a rational response to bleak
prospects. The song conveys that life holds more potential for those willing to take risks, despite the
inherent dangers. Compared to other Stiff Little Fingers tracks, "Breakout" feels more optimistic about
triumph, making its message of empowerment especially persuasive.
The second verse resonates deeply, especially in the context of recent global experiences like the
pandemic. Lines such as "Rules and regulations getting in my way" parallel frustrations with governmentimposed restrictions that, while meant to ensure safety, also led to feelings of social division and isolation.
Similarly, during The Troubles, both Irish Nationalists and Loyalists endured hardships believing that
their sacrifices would lead to eventual victory. Social separation and the struggle for autonomy have longlasting psychological impacts, mirroring the historical struggle for identity and belonging.
As the second chorus repeats, it acts as a political rallying cry. It emphasizes the necessity of challenging
the status quo and confronting societal barriers. This repetition underlines the persistent nature of the
struggle and the continuous need for resistance.
The bridge amplifies the climax of the song's message. Lines like "Won't let anyone put me down" and "I
ain't gonna be nobody's clown" speak to a refusal to accept subjugation. The "clown" metaphor could
symbolize how authority figures dictate the actions of the oppressed, reducing them to mere performers in
a larger, controlling narrative just like a real Circus. This also hints at the youth's frustration that earlier
attempts to challenge authority were dismissed or mocked as Clowns are, reinforcing the need for
steadfast defiance.
The bridge culminates in a line rejecting empty promises: "I won't be taken in by their promises, no." This
solidifies the song's critique of authority figures who offer hope but deliver little. It reflects the broader
feeling among young adults of being misled by political rhetoric while striving for genuine freedom and
self-determination.
Verse three marks a turning point, encouraging personal empowerment. "If I can do it you can do it too" is
a direct challenge to listeners, urging them to seize control of their lives despite potential risks. The
following line, "Why don't you try it, you got nothing to lose?" reinforces this idea, emphasizing that the
fear of change should not outweigh the hope for a better future.
The final lines drive home the relatable struggle: "A boring job, living day-to-day, do something different,
try to break away." This speaks to the universal desire for meaningful existence. The song argues that
accepting an unsatisfying life isn't an obligation and that activism and resistance are justified when
seeking freedom from oppressive systems.
The transition from verse three into the closing choruses reinforces the song's rallying cry. It serves as a
powerful reminder of the song's core message: the need for change, resistance, and self-determination in
the face of adversity.
What I find most inspiring from these songs is how impactful proper writing is to the message that is
meant to be conveyed to the masses. Having a short punch-to-the-face song with such complexity is a true
nod to the talent these bands had and is wonderful to study.
"Breakout" by Stiff Little Fingers is a potent anthem of rebellion and empowerment. It captures the
frustration and desperation of youth during The Troubles, advocating for breaking free from societal
constraints and oppressive structures. The song's themes of resistance, self-empowerment, and the
rejection of conformity remain deeply relevant. It effectively bridges historical context with contemporary
relevance, encouraging listeners to seek change, challenge authority, and pursue meaningful freedom—
regardless of the risks.