"Mr. Ticket Man" is a song by the Swiss rock band Gotthard. The lyrics depict a protagonist addressing a character called "Mr. Ticket Man." The song's meaning and story are open to interpretation, but there are a few themes that can be inferred from the lyrics. In the song, the protagonist is looking for a way out of a difficult situation, symbolized by the ticket man. They seek help from this person, asking to be freed from their troubles. They compare themselves to a "tin can man" who is left to rust, suggesting feelings of neglect, abandonment, or being disregarded by others. The repeated lines of "Over and over, X-ray exposure" and "Over and over again, closer to your promised land" imply a recurring cycle or pattern of feeling trapped or manipulated by the ticket man. This could suggest a metaphorical struggle with a figure of authority or someone who holds power over the protagonist's life. The lyrics also suggest that the ticket man is manipulative and opportunistic. The protagonist questions whether the ticket man's actions make him feel braver or more powerful. They wonder if the ticket man is simply motivated by personal gain, represented by the line, "Are you building up a pension plan?" The chorus, "Go... Go... Go... That's the ticket! Go... Go... Go..." can be interpreted as a sarcastic or ironic statement. It may imply that the protagonist is resigned to the fact that they have little control over their situation and are compelled to go along with the ticket man's plans. Additionally, the mention of the ticket man putting his wife in jam and the line "Supersonic, are you flying man?" could be interpreted as criticism or condemnation of the ticket man's actions. It suggests that he goes to extreme lengths, even at the expense of his loved ones, in order to achieve his goals or maintain his power. Overall, "Mr. Ticket Man" seems to explore themes of power dynamics, manipulation, and the struggle to break free from a situation or person who exerts control over one's life. The song prompts listeners to consider the motives and consequences of such power imbalances.
