The song "Refuse To Be Saved" by Elvis Costello and The Roots is a critique of societal conformity and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics express a feeling of resistance to being controlled by others and a refusal to be a passive participant in a society that enforces conformity. The protagonist of the song questions the actions of those who have been liberated, asking what they will do about him. He rejects the idea of being treated as a grateful clown and instead prefers to return to the underground, where he can be himself without judgment. The reference to telling time by the color of his skin suggests that he is more in tune with his own identity and experiences rather than being defined by societal norms. The lyrics also touch on themes of consumption and the disregard for individuality in the pursuit of material goods and societal success. The woman working in the tunnel symbolizes the unseen labor and sacrifices made to sustain a society focused on appearance and consumerism. The mention of Disco Tex and the Sex-o-lettes represents the superficial distractions and escapism that people turn to in order to avoid facing the realities of their lives. The song further critiques the idea of revolution and liberation, suggesting that even those who claim to fight for freedom may have ulterior motives. The Liberation Forces, depicted as playing Doors records and pretending to be stoned, are seen as using the revolution as a form of self-expression and entertainment rather than truly addressing systemic issues. The mention of arriving with rubber aprons and butcher's hooks implies a violent and oppressive force disguising itself as a savior. In the final verse, the song references the media's role in perpetuating societal expectations and appearance-based judgments. The protagonist is pursued by a TV crew while being hunted down by those who claim to represent liberty. The limousine of singing stars and their brotherhood anthem suggests that even celebrities are complicit in maintaining the status quo. Overall, "Refuse To Be Saved" conveys a message of resistance and individualism, urging listeners to question societal norms and pressures. It encourages refusing to be passive and asserting one's own identity and beliefs.
