The Meaning Behind The Song: Signs by Five Man Electrical Band

Music, being a universal language, has the power to communicate emotions and sentiments that are difficult to express through words. One such song that has become an anthem for generations is Signs by the Five Man Electrical Band. It is a song with a catchy tune and lyrics that speak of the frustration that young people often feel in the face of blind authority.

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The Background of the Song

Five Man Electrical Band was a Canadian rock band formed in the 1960s. In 1970, they released the song Signs, which immediately struck a chord with listeners all over the world. It talks about the oppressive culture of the time and how young people were expected to conform and follow the rules set by those in power.

The lead singer and songwriter of the band, Les Emmerson, wrote the song after being frustrated by the stringent rules set by the Canadian government during a trip to Ontario. The government had put up signs everywhere reminding people of what they couldn’t do, including swimming and fishing. It inspired Les to write a song that would protest against such oppressive rules and remind people to think for themselves.

The Lyrics of the Song

The lyrics of Signs are simple and easy to follow. It starts with the words, “And the sign said, ‘Long-haired freaky people need not apply'”. This line is a reference to the way young people with long hair were often discriminated against in the 1960s and 1970s. The sign in the song represents the arbitrary rules set by those in power and how they were used to marginalize certain groups of people.

The chorus of the song is one of the most memorable parts. It goes, “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breaking my mind. Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”. This chorus is a reminder of how young people were bombarded with rules and regulations that they felt were unnecessary and unfair. It was a call to action to think for oneself and not blindly follow the rules set by authority figures.

The song ends with the powerful lines, “And the sign said, ‘Everybody welcome, come in kneel down and pray’. But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all, I didn’t have a penny to pay”. This last part is a reference to the hypocrisy of those in power who preached acceptance and tolerance but then demanded money from their followers. It is a message to question authority and to be wary of those who seek to control others.

The Impact of the Song

Signs became an instant hit with audiences everywhere. It became a rallying cry for young people who felt like they were being oppressed by the older generation. The song’s message of individuality and freedom resonated with so many people that it quickly became an anthem. The song reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed on the charts for 14 weeks.

Many years after the song’s initial release, it remains relevant and powerful. It has been covered by many artists, including Tesla and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Its message of questioning authority and thinking for oneself is timeless and will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

The Legacy of the Song

Signs has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been referenced in movies, TV shows, and books. In the movie The Breakfast Club, one of the characters, John Bender, quotes the chorus of the song when describing how oppressive his school is. The song has also been referenced in shows like The Simpsons and The West Wing.

In addition to its cultural impact, Signs has also been recognized by the music industry. In 2005, the Canadian independent music awards introduced the “Les Emmerson Award for the best song placement in a commercial or TV show”, named after the lead singer and songwriter of Five Man Electrical Band.

In Conclusion

Signs by the Five Man Electrical Band is a timeless classic that continues to inspire people to question authority and think for themselves. Its message of individuality and freedom will always be relevant, and the song will continue to be a powerful reminder of the power of music to speak to the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

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