Song meaning of Big Chief II by OSI

The lyrics of the song "Big Chief II" by OSI present a bleak and chaotic picture of society, portraying a world filled with violence, desperation, and brokenness. The song explores themes of poverty, crime, and the destructive effects of societal breakdown.

The opening lines describe a dead man's dog longing to be reunited with its deceased owner, highlighting the pain and loss caused by death. The following lines depict a series of violent incidents driven by frustration and desperation. The dog is glad to be fed, even if it means someone died. The knife being bent symbolizes the distortion and corruption of justice. The lyrics suggest that even relationships can become tumultuous and violence can escalate due to external pressures or misunderstandings.

The lyrics then shift to a narrative about a chief who has nothing left to offer and pawns his rhymes for money. This indicates the devaluation of artistic expression and the struggle faced by artists in a society that fails to appreciate their work. The mention of mailing a feather to an astronaut juxtaposes ancient native spirituality with the futuristic exploration of space, creating a sense of cultural collision and displacement.

The lyrics also touch upon the exploitation and appropriation of indigenous cultures by cowboys, who profit from it while simultaneously benefiting from tax write-offs. This highlights the systemic inequalities and economic disparities in society, where the marginalized are further marginalized and their culture commodified.

The chorus emphasizes a sense of financial instability, with the repeated phrase "we got no money 'cause we just got paid." This suggests the cyclical nature of poverty and the inability to escape it. The esplanade represents a public space where the marginalized gather, finding solace in shared struggles. The reference to trawling for oil where the oak trees once stood symbolizes the destructive nature of industry and the environmental toll it takes.

Lastly, the lyrics mention the inability to return home due to a broken river, implying displacement and the loss of a sense of belonging. Overall, the lyrics of "Big Chief II" convey a message of societal disintegration, exploitation, and the struggle for survival amidst chaos and hardship.