We Are 138 by The Misfits Lyrics Meaning – Decoding Punk Rock’s Anthemic Enigma
Lyrics
We are 138, We are 138, We are 138
We are 138, We are 138
In the eyes of tiger
Do you think we’re robot clean
Does this face look almost mean
Is it time to be an android not a man
The pleasantries are gone
We’re stripped of all we were
In the eyes of tiger
We are 138, We are 138, We are 138
We are 138, We are 138, We are 138
8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8
8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8
Amidst a landscape of tumult and rebellion, The Misfits’ ‘We Are 138’ emerges as a chant of the disoriented, an anthem for the disaffected. The song relentlessly drills the number ‘138’ into the minds of listeners, a puzzle wrapped in aggressive guitars and snarling vocals. The track, a staple of the punk rock genre, is often dismissed as cryptically succinct due to its brevity and repetitive lyrics. However, lurking beneath its surface is a treasure trove of subtext and socio-political commentary.
In an era when the genre was often dismissed as a cacophony of noise devoid of substance, The Misfits proved critics wrong with their potent brew of horror-influenced imagery and thought-provoking lyrics. ‘We Are 138’ isn’t just a rebel yell; it’s a coded message, a rallying cry, and a declaration of identity wrapped up in less than two minutes of unrelenting punk rock power.
The Chorus of the Unheard – What’s in a Number?
To the uninitiated, the repetition of ‘We are 138’ might appear to be nothing more than a punk rock motif, designed for the purpose of riotous singing along. But the repetition serves a deeper role, acting as a metronome for the disenfranchised, synchronizing the outcasts to a common beat. The number ‘138’ is cryptic in its origins, shrouded in various theories ranging from influences of film to speculations about totalitarian control.
Some fans speculate that ‘138’ could be a nod to the 1977 science fiction film ‘THX 1138’, directed by George Lucas, which portrays a society where human emotions and the concept of love are regulated by the state. This reference could suggest a dystopian theme, where individuals are dehumanized into numbers, much like the android-like existence questioned in the song’s lyrics.
The Man or The Android – A Clash of Identity
Breaking down the walls of the chorus, we are dared to confront the idea: ‘Do you think we’re robot clean?’ The song prods the listener to question the human capacity for sterilization, both figuratively in demeanor and literally in societal conformity. Glenn Danzig’s sneer posits whether the quenching of human spirit is a prerequisite for civilization, or if this suppression is the making of an ‘android,’ a being stripped of individuality.
The Misfits, much like their punk peers, fiercely criticized the robotic, routine nature of society, espousing a fear that the populace was becoming more android than man. The reference to being ‘robot clean’ speaks to this loss of humanity, indicating a homogenized, sanitized existence devoid of the nuances that make life distinctly human.
Stripped of All We Were – The Demise of Authenticity
‘The pleasantries are gone’ – with a turn of phrase, The Misfits mourn the erosion of genuine human interaction, suggesting a world where superficial niceties have been peeled away to reveal a sterile, transactional reality. In ‘the eyes of tiger’, possibly a metaphor for a harsh, unforgiving society, we find ourselves judged and found wanting. The song encapsulates the struggle to maintain authenticity in an increasingly artificial environment.
The band challenges the listener to look beyond the veneer of society’s expectations and find what’s been stripped away. It’s a stark reflection on identity and the cost of societal progression, stirring a sense of urgency to reclaim what makes us human beyond the systemic categorizations and pressures.
Deciphering ‘The Eyes of Tiger’ – Visualizing Vigilance
Within the sparsity of the song’s lyrics, the phrase ‘in the eyes of tiger’ stands out as an evocative image. It’s a line that has been dissected for meaning, with some seeing it as a symbol of predation and a marker of societal gaze—always watching, always judging. ‘The eyes of tiger’ could be the representation of a society on the prowl, ready to pounce on any sign of nonconformity.
Alternatively, ‘the eyes of tiger’ may conjure an image of resilience, serving as an emblem for those who remain defiant in the face of systemic pressures. The tiger represents strength and a fighting spirit, qualities essential for survival in a harsh landscape of stripped identities and robotic existences.
Beyond the Electric Anthem – The Song’s Enduring Legacy
‘We Are 138′ is brief, potent, and unapologetic in its delivery, cementing itself as a significant cornerstone of The Misfits’ catalog and punk rock at large. The song’s power to stimulate debate and interpretation demonstrates the inherent ability of music to transcend the simplicity of lyrics, touching on universal themes of autonomy, defiance, and identity.
The song’s vitality extends beyond just the punk community—it’s a testament to the genre’s ability to incite thought and rally listeners behind a common cause. ‘We Are 138’ remains an indelible mark on the fabric of music history, its meaning ever-evolving, just as relevant today as it was upon its release.
