Two Kinds Of Trouble

The Hives' song 'Two Kinds Of Trouble' is a satirical take on the complexities of life, boiled down to a simplistic dichotomy. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of arrogance and self-assuredness, as the narrator claims to have figured out the world at a very young age. This hyperbolic self-confidence is a hallmark of The Hives' punk rock style, characterized by its rebellious and often irreverent tone.

The song's central theme revolves around the idea that life can be divided into binary oppositions. The narrator dismisses the nuances and complexities of human experience, reducing everything to 'two kinds of trouble.' This reductionist view is both humorous and critical, poking fun at the oversimplification of life's challenges. The repeated phrase 'two kinds of trouble' serves as a mantra, emphasizing the narrator's unwavering belief in his simplistic worldview.

Cultural references and metaphors are abundant in the song. The mention of 'cops, police' and 'robbers, thieves' highlights societal roles and the inherent conflicts within them. The line 'Norwegians and Danes' adds a touch of absurdity, suggesting that even national identities can be boiled down to simple oppositions. The song also critiques philosophical thought, labeling it as 'circular reasoning' and 'bordering on the obscure,' further underscoring the narrator's disdain for complexity.

The Hives use this song to challenge listeners to think about the absurdity of reducing life's intricacies to mere binaries. It's a playful yet thought-provoking commentary on human nature and societal norms, wrapped in the band's signature energetic and rebellious sound.