"Back in the Box" by Hawkwind is a song about feeling trapped, isolated, and disconnected from the world. The lyrics describe being shut in a dark place and hiding one's pain and emotions. The recurring motif of being "locked in a dream" suggests a desire to escape one's reality, but feeling unable to do so. The song also critiques consumerism and the way society's focus on material possessions can distract from larger issues such as poverty and war. The lyrics describe the cycle of working to pay bills and feeling like it's never enough, while watching images of suffering on TV. The line "Is education the golden rule?" suggests a questioning of the values and priorities taught in traditional education. Overall, "Back in the Box" is a commentary on the pressures and struggles of modern life, and the need for meaningful connections and purpose in a world that can often feel meaningless and isolating.
