The song "Maybe The People Would Be The Times Or Between Clark And Hilldale" by Electric Six explores the themes of disconnection, societal norms, and individuality. The lyrics depict a narrator who is observing their surroundings and questioning the state of the world. The opening lines, "What is happening and how have you been? Gotta go, but I'll see you again", suggest that the narrator is meeting someone or encountering a situation where they might not have enough time to fully engage. The mention of loud music and fading into the crowds indicates a sense of being overwhelmed or lost in the chaos of the world. The next verse describes a scene of people standing everywhere, emphasizing the busy and bustling nature of the environment. The laugh affair refers to a social gathering or event, possibly a comedy show. The line "And here they always play my songs" hints at the narrator's involvement in the entertainment industry, and their music being popular. The following lines, "And me, I wonder if it's wrong or right, they come here just the same, telling everyone about their games", suggest that the narrator is questioning the intentions and actions of those around them. They ponder whether these social interactions are genuine or simply superficial. The mention of going back across the street implies a disconnect between the narrator's perspective and the normative behavior of others. The chorus, with the repetition of "street" and the plea to paint everybody gray, can be interpreted as a desire for conformity or a rejection of individuality. The narrator seems to be questioning the value of uniqueness in a society where everyone appears to be the same, or "painted brown". The verse about the moon's common scene around the narrator's town represents a symbol of familiarity and routine. The mention of people being painted brown and the suggestion to paint everybody gray reflect a desire for uniformity and a lack of individuality. The idea of everyone being the same may be seen as a criticism of societal norms and expectations. In essence, "Maybe The People Would Be The Times Or Between Clark And Hilldale" portrays a sense of disillusionment with societal conventions and the longing for genuine connections. The song encourages listeners to question societal norms and embrace individuality, suggesting that true fulfillment may be found by breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations.
