Debede

Sumo's 'Debede' is a song that seems to play with the juxtaposition of the lively disco scene against the backdrop of existential thoughts and the political climate of the time. The lyrics start by painting a picture of a typical Saturday night at the disco, where appearances are dazzling and the mood is upbeat. The repetition of 'you know, you really looked good, you know, I felt all right' emphasizes the superficial nature of the disco environment, where looking good and feeling good are paramount.

However, the chorus introduces a darker tone with 'Disco baby disco! when you're dying in your bed. disco baby disco! when you're crying in your head.' This suggests that despite the glitz of the disco scene, there is an underlying sadness or emptiness that cannot be danced away. The mention of 'you don't know rock and roll' could be interpreted as a critique of disco culture, which was often seen as less authentic than rock music by some during that era.

The song also touches on the geopolitical anxieties of the time, with the lines 'Well I don't know, but I've been told, the streets of heaven are lined with gold. I wonder if it can get much worse if the Russians get up there first?' This reflects the Cold War fears and the space race, where the possibility of the Soviet Union 'getting there first' was a real concern. The playful tone of the song contrasts with these serious themes, creating a sense of irony that Sumo was known for in their music.