Smart Patrol Mr. DNA

Devo's song "Smart Patrol Mr. DNA" is a complex and satirical commentary on modern society, technology, and the human condition. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who feels out of place in a world dominated by superficiality and routine. The opening lines, "he's been with the world and I'm tired of the soup du jour," suggest a weariness with the mundane and the repetitive nature of daily life. The protagonist refers to himself as a "spudboy," a term that Devo often used to describe an everyman figure who is searching for something genuine and meaningful, symbolized by the "real tomato.

The song introduces the concept of the "Smart Patrol," a group of suburban robots who monitor reality. This imagery reflects Devo's critique of conformity and the dehumanizing effects of technology and suburban life. The Smart Patrol represents the societal pressure to conform and the loss of individuality. The line "we shove the poles in the holes" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the monotonous and mechanical nature of modern work, where creativity and personal expression are stifled.

The character of Mr. DNA adds another layer to the song's narrative. Described as an "altruistic pervert" and a man with a plan, Mr. DNA symbolizes the manipulation and control exerted by those in power. His mission to "spread some genes" and the idea of human sacrifice highlight the theme of exploitation and the lengths to which society will go to maintain order and control. The song's conclusion, where the protagonist acknowledges the need for self-sacrifice, underscores the bleak and dystopian view of a world where individuality is sacrificed for the greater good.