Song meaning of (I’ve Never Met) A Nice South African by Spitting Image

The song titled "(I've Never Met) A Nice South African" by Spitting Image presents a satirical commentary on the South African government's racist policies and the arrogance of its leaders during the time of apartheid. The lyrics juxtapose absurd and fantastical experiences with the narrator's inability to find a nice South African, ultimately criticizing the country's racial discrimination.

The choice to include prominent political figures, such as P. W. Botha, adds to the satirical nature of the song. Botha's claims that bananas are marsupials or cars run on gravy are absurd and reflect the ignorance and denial of the government in South Africa. The chorus reinforces the negative portrayal of South Africans, characterizing them as arrogant bastards who hate black people and talentless murderers who smell like baboons. These extreme generalizations highlight the severe racism and lack of empathy present in the apartheid regime.

Through exaggerated and fantastical scenarios, the song also highlights the contrast between the narrator's encounters with other nationalities and their failure to find a nice South African. This suggests that the negative characteristics attributed to South Africans are not inherent but rather a product of the racist system. The mention of Breyten Breytenbach, a South African poet and anti-apartheid activist who emigrated to Paris, serves as a counterexample, implying that there are exceptions to the negative portrayal of South Africans.

Overall, the lyrics of "(I've Never Met) A Nice South African" condemn the racist policies of the South African government during apartheid and criticize the arrogance and ignorance of its leaders. The song uses satire and absurdity to shed light on the oppressive regime and its impact on the people of South Africa.