John Cale & Bob Neuwirth：Meaning of Who's In Charge? Songmeaning

"Who's In Charge?" is a song by John Cale and Bob Neuwirth, and the lyrics portray a sense of confusion and questioning about authority and power in various aspects of life. The song repeatedly asks the question, "Who's in charge?" to challenge the notion of a clear figure or entity responsible for governing or leading. The lyrics explore different possibilities for who could be in charge, such as the army, money, religious figures (the Pope, President, Rabbi, Buddha), influential individuals (Natureman, Priest, Artists, Geniuses), social groups (Audience, Critics, Teamsters, Socialists, Computerists), historical figures (Cain and Abel, Romulus and Remus), and even fictional characters (Mohammed). By listing and negating these possibilities, the song expresses a sense of disillusionment and a desire to understand the true source of authority. It suggests that those in traditional positions of power may not hold the ultimate control, and instead hints at unconventional and individualistic forces like outlaws, futurists, soloists, or even nature (a mountain). Overall, "Who's In Charge?" reflects a deep contemplation of power structures, challenging the listener to question and re-evaluate societal hierarchies and their own place within them.