Good Morning, Judge

10cc's song "Good Morning, Judge" is a satirical take on the life of a repeat offender who seems to have accepted his fate with a mix of resignation and dark humor. The protagonist addresses the judge with a casual familiarity, indicating that this is not his first time in trouble. The lyrics reveal a series of misadventures, from being seduced by a 'pretty thing' to stealing a car out of love, all of which lead him back to prison. The repetition of the lines "I couldn't stop her so I let it be" and "I fell in love and I drove it away" underscores a sense of inevitability and lack of control over his actions.

The chorus, with its emphatic denials—"He didn't do it, He wasn't there, He didn't want it, He wouldn't dare"—adds a layer of irony. These lines suggest a disconnect between the protagonist's actions and his self-perception or perhaps a commentary on the justice system's failure to understand the complexities of human behavior. The repeated denials could also be seen as a futile attempt to absolve himself of responsibility, even as he admits to his crimes in the verses.

The final verse takes the irony to another level, as the protagonist describes notorious prisons like Alcatraz and San Quentin as 'home sweet home.' This paradoxical contentment with incarceration highlights a deeper commentary on the cyclical nature of crime and punishment. The protagonist's declaration that he is 'so happy I don't wanna be free' serves as a grim reflection on how institutionalization can become a comfort zone for some individuals, stripping away their desire for freedom and normalcy. Through its clever lyrics and catchy melody, "Good Morning, Judge" offers a thought-provoking look at the life of a habitual criminal, blending humor with a poignant social critique.