The song "Riddles" by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts speaks about the frustration and disillusionment with the political system and the way society is being deceived by those in power. The lyrics highlight how the media and influential figures talk about important issues but fail to take any action or provide real solutions. The lines "Talkin' heads are talkin'/ But listen to what they say" suggest that despite the constant chatter and opinions expressed by politicians and media personalities, their words often lack substance and fail to address the real problems. The song emphasizes the need for a new direction because the current path is unsustainable. The lyrics also touch upon the state of the world, mentioning "bad stuff happening" and how nobody takes action to resolve these issues. The repeated question, "What can I do? What can I say?" conveys a sense of helplessness and frustration towards the lack of real change. The phrase "speak at us in riddles" implies that those in power use confusing and vague language, making it difficult for the general public to understand their true intentions or hold them accountable. This is further emphasized with lines like "The peace is the war/ The rich are too poor," suggesting that the world is full of contradictions and hypocrisy. The songs' lyrics also criticize specific policies and actions, referring to slogans like "Clear skies baby/ Healthy forests/ No Child Left Behind" as empty promises or propaganda meant to deceive the public. The mention of Big Brother watching and taking away rights alludes to a loss of personal freedoms and an invasion of privacy. Overall, the song expresses a plea for people to see through the riddles and to question the motives and actions of those in power. It encourages listeners to think critically and demand transparency, real solutions, and meaningful change.
