The song "Secrets" by John Cale and Bob Neuwirth explores themes of political corruption, greed, and the pursuit of money at the expense of genuine creativity and originality. The lyrics depict a conversation between an old man and a young kid, discussing the state of affairs in the world. The old man reflects on his experiences, comparing the current situation to how it was before the last war. He notes that while there may have been good times, there was always crime lurking beneath the surface. He urges the young kid not to fall asleep or turn a blind eye to the problems at hand, as doing so would only lead to regret in the long run. The old man goes on to emphasize the lack of money, highlighting the corrupt nature of society. He mentions the last pioneer, who is struggling and waving his flag, metaphorically representing someone clinging to their ideals in a world that values material possessions above all else. The kid acknowledges the lack of money but seems resigned to the situation. The lyrics also touch on the prevalence of glitz and glamour, symbolized by glittering Italian gold, but point out that despite the outward appearance, there still isn't enough money for everyone. The conversation continues with the old man discussing the leeching lawyers and the stifling of original ideas. The song shifts in tone towards the end, as the old man describes a country where honey is made from orange peels and plastic is created from old Band Aids. He speaks of a country where greed and power reign, questioning the worth of protection and lamenting the destruction of natural resources. The song concludes with the young kid expressing his confusion and uncertainty about his future and the state of the world. The old man mentions a woman settling for "anomalous clothes and socks" in Vermont, perhaps alluding to the compromises people make in order to survive. The song ends with the repetition of the line "Nevertheless there ain't no money," highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue. Overall, "Secrets" paints a bleak portrait of a society consumed by greed and corruption, where genuine creativity and individuality are suppressed in favor of material gain. The song serves as a critique of the current state of affairs and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole.
