Great White：Meaning of Substitute Songmeaning

The song "Substitute" by Great White is a cover of The Who's original song, released in 1966. The lyrics of the song talk about the concept of being a substitute in various aspects of life. In the first verse, the singer questions whether the person they are with thinks they make a good couple and if they believe that their appearances are genuine. The line "I look pretty tall but my heels are high" suggests that the singer may be trying to appear more impressive or important than they actually are. The chorus emphasizes the idea of substituting one thing for another. The singer sees through the lies and deception, specifically mentioning the phrase "Satan crap" to imply that the lies being told are manipulative and deceitful. Additionally, the line "my fine looking suit's really made out of sack" alludes to the idea that their outward appearance and confidence might not reflect their true self or the reality of their situation. The second verse delves into the singer's background, saying that they were born into a less privileged or fortunate situation. The line "Plastic spoon in my mouth" symbolizes a lack of wealth and opportunity. The singer also mentions the geographical direction of their town, indicating a sense of confusion or disorientation. The chorus is repeated, highlighting the theme of substitution and deception. The line "those are crocodile tears that you cry" suggests that the other person is feigning emotions or is insincere in their actions. The final part of the song reflects the singer's frustration with the other person not trying to address and resolve the problems in their relationship. The line "just pass it by" implies avoiding confrontation or responsibility. Overall, "Substitute" can be interpreted as a commentary on the facades people create, the struggle for identity, and the lack of authenticity in relationships. The singer feels like they are being used as a substitute for someone else, whether it be in terms of appearance, emotions, or even familial roles.