Meaning of A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours - The Smiths
Delving into the depths of The Smiths' classic song "A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours," one cannot help but be moved by its raw emotion and powerful message. On the surface, the lyrics may seem cryptic, but upon closer examination, they reveal a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the human struggle for acceptance.
The opening lines, "Oh hello/I am the ghost of Troubled Joe/Hung by his pretty white neck/Some eighteen months ago," immediately grab the listener's attention with their haunting imagery. The image of a ghostly figure, akin to a spectral apparition, creates an eerie atmosphere, setting the tone for the song's emotional journey. The reference to "Troubled Joe" suggests a connection to troubled times in history, perhaps alluding to the English Civil War or other periods of social and political turmoil. This historical context adds a layer of depth and complexity to the lyrics, hinting at larger themes of struggle, rebellion, and the desire for change.
The chorus, "A rush and a push and the land we stand on is ours/It has been before, so why can't it be now?" speaks to the universal human yearning for belonging and ownership. The phrase "the land we stand on" could symbolize anything from a physical place to an emotional one, such as a sense of identity or community. The repetition of "rush and push" adds a sense of urgency and determination, conveying a strong-willed desire for change and transformation.
The line, "People who are uglier than you and I/They take what they need and just leave," highlights the theme of survival in the face of adversity. The use of the word "ugly" could be interpreted as a metaphor for societal norms or expectations that one may feel unable to meet, making them feel inferior or outcast. This line speaks to the human condition of feeling marginalized or excluded, and the need to find a way to survive and thrive in such circumstances.
The repeated refrain, "Oh, but don't mention love/No, no, don't mention love," adds an enigmatic layer to the song's narrative. The reference to love could be interpreted as both a personal and a universal concept. On a personal level, it may speak to a past relationship that has caused pain or heartbreak. On a broader scale, it could symbolize the human desire for connection and intimacy, and the fear of vulnerability and exposure.
The final lines, "A rush and a push and the land we stand on is ours/Your youth may be gone, but you're still a good man/So phone me, phone me/So phone me, phone me/Oh, I think I'm in love," offer a glimmer of hope and yearning for connection. The repetition of "phone me" suggests a desire for communication and contact, perhaps with a significant other or a close friend. The use of the phrase "I think I'm in love" adds a layer of introspection, perhaps indicating a newfound sense of self-awareness and acceptance.
Overall, "A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours" by The Smiths is a powerful anthem that explores themes of identity, belonging, survival, vulnerability, and the human yearning for connection and acceptance. Its raw emotional intensity and poignant message make it a universal story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to find their place in the world. Its cryptic lyrics and haunting imagery add depth and complexity to its narrative, making it both enigmatic and emotionally charged.
The opening lines, "Oh hello/I am the ghost of Troubled Joe/Hung by his pretty white neck/Some eighteen months ago," immediately grab the listener's attention with their haunting imagery. The image of a ghostly figure, akin to a spectral apparition, creates an eerie atmosphere, setting the tone for the song's emotional journey. The reference to "Troubled Joe" suggests a connection to troubled times in history, perhaps alluding to the English Civil War or other periods of social and political turmoil. This historical context adds a layer of depth and complexity to the lyrics, hinting at larger themes of struggle, rebellion, and the desire for change.
The chorus, "A rush and a push and the land we stand on is ours/It has been before, so why can't it be now?" speaks to the universal human yearning for belonging and ownership. The phrase "the land we stand on" could symbolize anything from a physical place to an emotional one, such as a sense of identity or community. The repetition of "rush and push" adds a sense of urgency and determination, conveying a strong-willed desire for change and transformation.
The line, "People who are uglier than you and I/They take what they need and just leave," highlights the theme of survival in the face of adversity. The use of the word "ugly" could be interpreted as a metaphor for societal norms or expectations that one may feel unable to meet, making them feel inferior or outcast. This line speaks to the human condition of feeling marginalized or excluded, and the need to find a way to survive and thrive in such circumstances.
The repeated refrain, "Oh, but don't mention love/No, no, don't mention love," adds an enigmatic layer to the song's narrative. The reference to love could be interpreted as both a personal and a universal concept. On a personal level, it may speak to a past relationship that has caused pain or heartbreak. On a broader scale, it could symbolize the human desire for connection and intimacy, and the fear of vulnerability and exposure.
The final lines, "A rush and a push and the land we stand on is ours/Your youth may be gone, but you're still a good man/So phone me, phone me/So phone me, phone me/Oh, I think I'm in love," offer a glimmer of hope and yearning for connection. The repetition of "phone me" suggests a desire for communication and contact, perhaps with a significant other or a close friend. The use of the phrase "I think I'm in love" adds a layer of introspection, perhaps indicating a newfound sense of self-awareness and acceptance.
Overall, "A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours" by The Smiths is a powerful anthem that explores themes of identity, belonging, survival, vulnerability, and the human yearning for connection and acceptance. Its raw emotional intensity and poignant message make it a universal story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to find their place in the world. Its cryptic lyrics and haunting imagery add depth and complexity to its narrative, making it both enigmatic and emotionally charged.
