Alexios
What does "Back east your type don't crawl" mean ? This is from the Dead Kennedys' song Holiday in Cambodia "So, you've been to school For a year or two And you know you've seen it all In daddy's car Thinking you'll go far Back east your type don't crawl" Thanks!
Aug 15, 2020 8:21 AM
Answers · 3
2
The song is saying that that you think you're special (because you're educated and driving daddy's nice car), but where I'm from (back east), you're nothing special (your type don't crawl). I don't believe "don't crawl" is a common expression, but it fits the song (rhymes with "all") and, in the context of the rest of the lyrics, is understandable to a native speaker. It's common for many artists to take "poetic license" with the language as they've done here. If you tried to use phrases like these, you'd probably get some odd looks unless you're talking to a fellow fan of the group who knows the lyrics of the song.
August 15, 2020
1
There is a expression in the South, (Southern States), "That dog don't hunt," or, "That dog won't hunt," referring to a hunting dog that refuses to do its job. It's possible that this "don't crawl" expression fits somewhere along those lines. There's another expression, "that won't fly," meaning that something a person is trying to get other people to believe, take an interest in, buy off on or embrace, isn't working. They're not accepting or embracing it. So the expression, "don't crawl," might mean 'not accepted.' As in, "Here, back east, people aren't buying your action, aren't embracing your game, aren't accepting your way of being or doing."
August 15, 2020
I'm not entirely sure; I think it could have two meanings. They are talking about a spoled rich girl/boy (daddy's car and your type) who thinks they know everything when they don't (you've been to school, for a year or two). It could either mean that: - They'll get a good job and be promoted quickly due to their family connections. They won't have to work for it. - They don't do anything by halves. They don't mess around. They know what they want and they'll go out and get it. Because if the condescending tone of the lyrics, I expect it is the first one.
August 15, 2020
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