Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued
Fall Out Boy
The Satirical Self-Awareness of Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy's song, “Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued,” is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the music industry and the band's own place within it. The lyrics are laced with irony and self-deprecation, reflecting the band's awareness of their image and the superficial aspects of fame. The opening lines, “Brothers and sisters put this record down / Take my advice ('cause we are bad news),” immediately set a tone of playful cynicism, warning listeners about the band's supposed negative influence while simultaneously drawing them in.
The recurring line, “We're only liars, but we're the best,” highlights the band's acknowledgment of the performative nature of their personas. They admit to being part of the latest trends and having “almost famous friends,” suggesting a critique of the fleeting and often shallow nature of celebrity culture. The mention of “good fashion sense” further emphasizes the focus on appearance and style over substance, a common critique of the entertainment industry.
The metaphor of the ribbon on the wrist that says “Do not open before Christmas” adds a layer of youthful rebellion and impatience. It symbolizes the desire to break free from constraints and embrace recklessness, a sentiment that resonates with the band's younger audience. The song's playful yet critical tone invites listeners to question the authenticity of the music industry and the personas that artists adopt to navigate it. By blending humor with sharp observations, Fall Out Boy creates a song that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.