"You're Not An Army" by UB40 is a protest song that criticizes the actions and power of a government or authority. The lyrics depict a scenario where the government can exert control, violence, and injustice upon its citizens without facing consequences. The song highlights the imbalance of power between those in authority and the general public. The song suggests that the government can invade people's privacy by dragging them out of bed in the middle of the night and conducting military operations on their streets. They can imprison individuals without a fair trial and subject them to torture. Despite these actions being unjust, the government remains unpunished. The reason behind the government's ability to act with impunity is attributed to the support it receives from the media. The lyrics imply that the media is biased and presents information favorably to the government rather than providing unbiased reporting. This further adds to the frustration of the people who believe that the truth is being suppressed. The song also addresses the role of the general population in supporting the government. It highlights how their tax payments indirectly contribute to the actions of the government, even if they personally disagree with them. The song suggests that as long as the majority of the country's population supports the government, the actions taken by the government will continue regardless of international opposition. The lyrics also touch upon the concept of justice and equality. The government may subject political prisoners to unfair treatment, but when their stories are reported in the news, they are often portrayed as mere criminals. This highlights the disparity between how the government labels individuals and how they are viewed by society. Overall, "You're Not An Army" condemns the abuses of power, lack of accountability, and media bias. It serves as a call for the public to question authority and seek justice for those who are oppressed.
