Let's Lynch The Landlord

Dead Kennedys' song "Let's Lynch The Landlord" is a raw and rebellious anthem that captures the frustration and anger of tenants dealing with exploitative landlords. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dilapidated living situation where the landlord is indifferent to the tenants' suffering. The opening lines set the stage with the landlord's visit, where he announces a rent increase despite the building being condemned. This act of greed and corruption is further emphasized by the landlord's intention to use the extra money to buy influence in City Hall, highlighting the systemic nature of the exploitation.

The chorus, with its repeated call to "lynch the landlord," serves as a metaphor for the tenants' desire to take drastic action against their oppressor. This extreme imagery reflects the depth of their desperation and anger. The song's verses detail the squalid conditions the tenants endure, from lack of basic utilities to infestations of rats and roaches. The reference to Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp, in describing the smell from the oven, underscores the severity of the neglect and the inhumanity of the living conditions.

Dead Kennedys, known for their politically charged punk rock, use this song to critique not just individual landlords but the broader system that allows such exploitation to occur. The band's aggressive musical style and provocative lyrics are designed to shock and provoke thought, urging listeners to recognize and resist the injustices around them. "Let's Lynch The Landlord" is more than just a song; it's a call to action against systemic corruption and exploitation, resonating with anyone who has felt powerless against those in positions of authority.