Because It Keeps On Working
Cock Robin
The Struggle for Freedom and Resilience
Cock Robin's song "Because It Keeps On Working" delves into the themes of struggle, resilience, and the quest for freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels lost and homeless, yearning for a place to rest and find peace. The opening lines, "I want to lay down, but I got no home / Is there a better place?" set the tone for the song, highlighting a sense of displacement and the search for a better life. This feeling of being cast into the open with nowhere to go is a powerful metaphor for the uncertainty and challenges that many people face in their lives.
The recurring line, "Because it keeps on working / Don't make it right," serves as a poignant reminder that just because something functions or persists, it doesn't mean it is just or fair. This could be interpreted as a critique of societal systems or personal situations that continue to operate despite being fundamentally flawed. The protagonist's willingness to try anything to break free from the metaphorical "ball and chain" underscores a deep desire for liberation and change, even in the face of weariness and exhaustion.
The song also touches on themes of loss and remembrance, as seen in the lines, "I raise my head high, and make a toast to the fallen saints / Bless their souls." This act of honoring those who have endured hardships reflects a sense of solidarity and shared suffering. The acknowledgment that "misery loves me so" suggests a resigned acceptance of life's difficulties, yet there is also a glimmer of hope and resilience as the protagonist remains on their feet, ready to face whatever comes next. Cock Robin's evocative lyrics and emotive delivery make "Because It Keeps On Working" a powerful anthem for anyone grappling with life's challenges and seeking a path to freedom and peace.