The song "Never Fight a Man with a Perm" by Idles is a poignant exploration of themes surrounding masculinity, identity, and social class. Through its raw and confrontational lyrics, the song serves as a critique of toxic masculinity and the performative nature of gender roles in contemporary society.
The lyrics vividly depict a confrontational encounter between the narrator and a man characterized by his stereotypically masculine appearance and behavior. Lines such as "Brylcreem, Creatine, And a bag of Charlie Sheen" and "A dulcet man with a dulcet tone, From a dulcet town and a dulcet home" paint a vivid picture of the man's exaggerated masculinity, setting the tone for the song's exploration of societal expectations.
Despite expressing disdain for the man's aggressive demeanor, the narrator also acknowledges a sense of admiration for his confidence and assertiveness. This complexity is evident in lines like "He hates me, I like that" and "Two arms like big baseball bats," highlighting the narrator's conflicted feelings towards the man and the societal constructs that shape their interactions.
The lyrics further critique societal expectations of masculinity and class, with references to the man's privileged background ("A heathen from Eton") and his attempt to embody a suave persona ("He thinks he's suave, You're not suave 'cause you watched Get Carter"). The song dismantles these notions of masculinity, suggesting that true strength does not come from physical appearance or social status, but from authenticity and self-awareness.
The chorus, "Never fight a man with a perm," serves as a warning against engaging in physical or verbal confrontations based on superficial characteristics. It encapsulates the song's broader message about the futility of resorting to violence or aggression to assert one's masculinity, urging listeners to challenge societal norms and expectations.
The repetition of the phrase "Concrete to leather" throughout the lyrics adds to the song's intensity, emphasizing the harsh realities of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to certain standards of masculinity, while also highlighting the resilience needed to navigate these challenges.
In the closing lyrics, the narrator adopts a more conciliatory tone, suggesting a willingness to reconcile and move past the confrontation. Lines like "Let's hug it out" and "I shut my mouth" signal a shift towards empathy and understanding, undercutting the earlier aggression with a message of unity and compassion.
Overall, "Never Fight a Man with a Perm" by Idles is a provocative and thought-provoking exploration of masculinity, identity, and societal expectations. Through its blunt lyrics and gritty instrumentation, the song challenges listeners to reconsider traditional notions of strength and masculinity in modern society.
