"It's the World's Gone Crazy (Cotillion)" by Waylon Jennings is a song that reflects on the chaotic state of the world, using the metaphor of a cotillion, a formal ball or dance. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and confusion, where societal roles and expectations are being reversed and distorted. The first verse sets the tone by highlighting the disconnect between the dancers and their desire for something different. The "ladies" are dancing alone, suggesting a lack of engagement or connection. The "side men" want to be in the spotlight, while the "front men" long to escape the chaos and return home. As the song progresses, it reveals a world where traditional boundaries and roles have become blurred. The "johnny-come-lately's," or newcomers, are arriving early, and the "early bird's" are showing up late, emphasizing the disarray and loss of order. The "straight men" want to be funny, while the "funny men" want to change their ways and become "straight." This portrays a sense of dissatisfaction and longing for something different among individuals. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's the world's gone crazy cotillion" to emphasize the prevailing chaos. The image of the ladies dancing alone and the front men wanting to go home reflects a sense of alienation and disconnection from the current state of affairs. The second verse delves deeper into the confusion and upheaval. The "villains" are now seen as heroes, and the heroes themselves have become "heels" or villains. This inversion highlights the unpredictable nature of the world and the reversal of moral values. Additionally, the "dealers" want to be in love, while the "lovers" are seeking opportunities for personal gain. This showcases a sense of opportunism and the perversion of love and relationships. The song concludes with a poignant observation about the state of society. The meek, typically associated with inheritances or blessings, have not received anything. Meanwhile, the leaders are falling behind, suggesting a loss of direction and guidance. The narrator sings his song to the deaf and dances his dance to the blind, symbolically representing the futility of trying to make sense of a world that has become deaf to reason and blind to truth. Overall, "It's the World's Gone Crazy (Cotillion)" portrays a world turned upside down, where social norms, values, and expectations have become distorted. Waylon Jennings' lyrics highlight the confusion, disillusionment, and longing for something different in a society that has lost its way.
