Dead Kennedys

:This page is about the band; see Kennedy family for the political dynasty, or The Kennedy Curse, which inspired the name "Dead" Kennedys

Lyrical stance

The Kennedys are noted for the acerbicness of their lyrics, which generally take a harsh critique of contemporary America that is staunchly left-wing (Biafra claims to be a progressive). Unlike other leftist punk bands who use more direct sloganeering, the Kennedys' lyrics are generally satirical, often sarcastic. "Holiday In Cambodia" is a multi-layered satire which has both rich people and the Khmer Rouge as its targets (together with the US government who at the time of recording were tacitly supporting Pol Pot in his war against Vietnam). Songs such as "Kill The Poor", "California Uber Alles" and "Police Truck" actually take the lyrical viewpoint of the right-wing enemies the band despises. In some cases in their early days the band attracted support from right-wing punks who took the lyrics of Kill The Poor et al at face value, missing the point. The Kennedys wrote a song in response to this element, tellingly titled "Nazi Punks Fuck Off!".

Related Topics:
Left-wing - Progressive - Satirical - Holiday In Cambodia - Khmer Rouge - Pol Pot - Vietnam - Kill The Poor - Police Truck - Nazi Punks Fuck Off!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Other lyrical elements include deliberately over-the-top shock tactics, such as the genocidal imagery of "Holiday In Cambodia" and "Chemical Warfare". However, unlike many other punk and hardcore bands who play with such themes, the Kennedys usually have a clear progressive point to make when they shock.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jello Biafra continues to be a noted critic of the American political establishment, embarking on lecture tours both before and after his time with the band.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~