Fleas On Rats

The song 'Fleas On Rats' by History Teachers is a vivid and educational recount of the Black Death, a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century. The lyrics are both informative and haunting, capturing the fear and horror that accompanied the spread of the plague. The song opens with a stark reminder of the plague's lethality, emphasizing the rapid and deadly nature of the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The mention of 'acral necrosis' and 'black tongue' paints a grim picture of the physical symptoms suffered by the afflicted, while the repeated refrain 'fleas on rats' highlights the primary vector of the disease.

The narrative then shifts to the origins of the plague, tracing its journey from China to Europe. The historical reference to the Mongols using biological warfare at Kaffa and the subsequent spread to Sicily in 1347 provides a context for the pandemic's rapid dissemination. The song also touches on the societal impacts of the plague, such as the mass deaths, the swelling of buboes, and the desperate measures people took to avoid infection. The mention of Boccaccio's 'Decameron' and the flagellants reflects the cultural and religious responses to the crisis, illustrating how people sought to make sense of the catastrophe.

Furthermore, the song delves into the broader consequences of the Black Death, including the significant population decline and the resulting social upheaval. The lyrics mention the persecution of marginalized groups, such as lepers and Jews, who were wrongfully blamed for the plague. The reference to peasant revolts and the improved conditions for survivors underscores the long-term economic and social changes that followed the pandemic. The song concludes with a chilling reminder of the plague's relentless nature, encapsulated in the repeated chant of 'fleas on rats,' leaving listeners with a profound understanding of this dark chapter in history.