Deciphering Political Overtones in the Meaning of 'All's Quiet in Your Head

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In summary, the song and album contain political overtones, but the meaning may be difficult to decipher. The lyrics seem nonsensical, but they may hold deeper meanings related to the mental process of coming to new conclusions and the symbolism of a flag. The songwriting duo of Elton John and Bernie Taupin is known for creating powerful and meaningful music.
  • #1
LightbulbSun
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This song and the whole album has political overtones to it, but I can't decipher what they are referring to in this passage:

All's quiet in your head
All's quiet in your head now...

I think you've got it alright in your head now
And I think you've got it alright in your head
There's something pretty ****ed up with your conscience
But I say you've got it alright in your head now...

I ain't going to shutdown all my windows
I ain't going to shutdown like before
Got another flag here says my mailman
Maybe someone stole yours from your door
 
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  • #2
LightbulbSun said:
This song and the whole album has political overtones to it, but I can't decipher what they are referring to in this passage:

Hmmm. I was kind of getting it OK until the last two lines...:confused:.
 
  • #3
lisab said:
Hmmm. I was kind of getting it OK until the last two lines...:confused:.

The last four lines have me confused.
 
  • #4
LightbulbSun said:
This song and the whole album has political overtones to it, but I can't decipher what they are referring to in this passage:
Lots of lyrics are non-sensical, except to the writer.

Now, for truly meaningful lyrics.

Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

That's a very well known old song. :tongue2:
 
  • #5
Evo said:
Lots of lyrics are non-sensical, except to the writer.

Now, for truly meaningful lyrics.

Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

That's a very well know old song. :tongue2:

:rofl:

I totally believe it, because had a goat that loved ivy...
 
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  • #6
Evo said:
Lots of lyrics are non-sensical, except to the writer.

I don't think these are non-sensical though as the whole album has political overtones to it.
 
  • #7
LightbulbSun said:
I don't think these are non-sensical though as the whole album has political overtones to it.

I'd say that supports the argument for them being nonsensical ;)
 
  • #8
I think the last two lines maybe an imagery for a country overtaking another one.
 
  • #9
LightbulbSun said:
I don't think these are non-sensical though as the whole album has political overtones to it.
Are you saying politics are not non-sensical?

It's one person's opinion, and perhaps a not necessarily coherent opinion.
 
  • #10
Evo said:
Are you saying politics are not non-sensical?

It's one person's opinion, and perhaps a not necessarily coherent opinion.

I'm not saying politics aren't nonsensical, but even the most incoherent political lyrics have some sort of underlying meaning/message behind them.
 
  • #11
An honest go at an interpretation:

The opening stanzas are referring to the mental process of coming to a new conclusion after having encountered a new bit of information. I'm guessing, since the conscience did not change, assimilation took place, and the singer disagrees with the formal stance of the person they are referring to. The last stanza contrasts with the resolved individual, where the singer makes himself out to be more open-minded, because he will not shut down his windows, and the mailman is an individual positing some kind of political change, represented by the flag.
 
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  • #12
Barfolumu said:
An honest go at an interpretation:

The opening stanzas are referring to the mental process of coming to a new conclusion after having encountered a new bit of information. I'm guessing, since the conscience did not change, assimilation took place, and the singer disagrees with the formal stance of the person they are referring to. The last stanza contrasts with the resolved individual, where the singer makes himself out to be more open-minded, because he will not shut down his windows, and the mailman is an individual positing some kind of political change, represented by the flag.

Hmm...it makes sense with the rest of the album.
 
  • #13
Also keep in mind the parents or family gets the flag that was covering the coffin of their dead service people. If they can not attend a military funeral, the flag is mailed to them, or their last known address.
 
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  • #14
hypatia said:
Also keep in mind the parents or family gets the flag that was covering the coffin of their dead service people. If they can not attend a military funeral, the flag is mailed to them, or their last known address.
Ooh, that makes sense.
 
  • #15
hypatia said:
Also keep in mind the parents or family gets the flag that was covering the coffin of their dead service people. If they can not attend a military funeral, the flag is mailed to them, or their last known address.

Hmmm, but then what do they mean when they follow that up with "maybe someone stole yours from your door"?
 
  • #16
I ain't going to shutdown all my windows
I ain't going to shutdown like before
Got another flag here says my mailman
Maybe someone stole yours from your door

It means:

My computer won't crash anymore
And I just hacked my neighbor's e-mail.
 
  • #17
Music means whatever the composer(s) want it to mean.
In line with Evo's post, this is a test of Latin skills:
Civile, ci ergo
Forte bus es enero
Noville, dos es trux
Vatis inem, cos endux.
By the bye, one of the greatest songwriting teams of all time (ELton John and Bernie Taupin) never actually collaborated. Bernie wrote the lyrics and sent them to Elton, who then put them to music. The result was some absolutely awesome music.
 
  • #18
LightbulbSun said:
Hmmm, but then what do they mean when they follow that up with "maybe someone stole yours from your door"?
That part makes no sense. Basically, the entire thing makes no sense if you try to make it work together.
 
  • #19
lisab said:
It means:

My computer won't crash anymore
And I just hacked my neighbor's e-mail.
:rofl: By George, I think she's got it!

Danger said:
By the bye, one of the greatest songwriting teams of all time (ELton John and Bernie Taupin) never actually collaborated. Bernie wrote the lyrics and sent them to Elton, who then put them to music. The result was some absolutely awesome music.
Now those are lyrics you can understand.
 
  • #20
Evo said:
That part makes no sense. Basically, the entire thing makes no sense if you try to make it work together.

It does make sense though cause it's obviously referring to this flag. What this "flag" represents I'm confused on.
 
  • #21
I think it's possible to make sense of lyrics. There may even be multiple interpretations of the lyrics, that are all equally valid. that's part of the beauty, and sometimes frustration, of poetry/lyrics.

Using the new interpretation presented: A family is jealous of another family who is receiving recognition after their son sacrificed his life for his country. The singer looks upon this scene as sick, thereby promoting his open-mindedness, and irritation with what he views as "standard" culture.

*shrug* It all works. It ain't mathematics.
 
  • #22
hypatia said:
Also keep in mind the parents or family gets the flag that was covering the coffin of their dead service people. If they can not attend a military funeral, the flag is mailed to them, or their last known address.

Going off of this tid bit perhaps "All's quiet in your head" means the person is dead. They had a "F[-]ed up conscience" but it's alright now. So keeping with the idea of talking to a dead person then perhaps "your door" is referring to a coffin lid.





I just found out that my screen name is now the title of a deathmetal song.
The lyrics don't seem so bad but the delivery could certainly use some work. :-/
 
  • #23
TheStatutoryApe said:
Going off of this tid bit perhaps "All's quiet in your head" means the person is dead. They had a "F[-]ed up conscience" but it's alright now. So keeping with the idea of talking to a dead person then perhaps "your door" is referring to a coffin lid.





I just found out that my screen name is now the title of a deathmetal song.
The lyrics don't seem so bad but the delivery could certainly use some work. :-/

This interpretation makes the most sense. It actually clears up the lyrics for me. Thanks :-)
 
  • #24
Evo said:
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey

'Scuse me while I kiss this guy! :approve:
 
  • #25
Vanadium 50 said:
'Scuse me while I kiss this guy! :approve:

Ah... "Dave's World"... great show.

Evo said:
Now those are lyrics you can understand.

With the possible exception of 'Solar Prestige a Gammon'...
 
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1. What does the phrase "All's Quiet in Your Head" mean?

The phrase "All's Quiet in Your Head" can have multiple interpretations, but in the context of political overtones, it could mean a state of mental peace or calmness despite the chaos and noise in the outside world.

2. How can political overtones be deciphered in the meaning of "All's Quiet in Your Head"?

Deciphering political overtones in this phrase involves analyzing the words and their connotations, as well as considering the current political climate and context in which the phrase is being used.

3. Is "All's Quiet in Your Head" a positive or negative statement?

This phrase can be interpreted as both positive and negative, depending on the individual's perspective. It could be seen as positive, indicating a sense of inner peace and resilience in the face of external turmoil. However, it could also be viewed as negative, suggesting a sense of detachment or apathy towards political issues.

4. How do political overtones in "All's Quiet in Your Head" reflect societal attitudes?

The presence or absence of political overtones in this phrase can reflect the prevailing societal attitudes towards political issues. For example, if the phrase is used in a time of political unrest, it may carry more weight and significance.

5. Can "All's Quiet in Your Head" have different meanings in different political contexts?

Yes, the meaning of this phrase can vary depending on the specific political context in which it is used. For example, in a repressive political regime, it could be seen as a form of resistance and defiance, while in a stable democracy, it could be interpreted as a sign of complacency or indifference towards political issues.

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