From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (piano,, vocals, 12-string-guitar, bass); J.T. Thomas (Chamberlin, organ); Chad Wright (drums); Ethan Gruska (added attractions); Rob Moose (ensemble arrangement yMusic)
Had Enough meaning
“Had Enough” is a politically charged song that expresses frustration with societal issues such as corruption, environmental degradation, and public complacency. Through vivid imagery and biting commentary, Bruce seems to call for awareness and action against these problems, questioning how much people can tolerate before reaching their breaking point.
Criticism of political and corporate corruption
The opening lines, “Orange lady spews her venom / Says deny and we just let em,” likely refer to a figure in power spreading misinformation or harmful rhetoric, possibly associated with environmental or social issues. The mention of “big friends” and “let’s go get em” paints a picture of collusion among powerful elites, while the line “air is hotter and wetter” refers to the environmental impact of their actions, possibly alluding to climate change.
In the chorus, the song’s repeated question, “Have you had enough, are you finally pissed off?” expresses frustration at how long people have endured these abuses of power without taking meaningful action.
Complacency as a recurring theme
Throughout the song, Bruce points out how complacency enables those in power to continue their harmful practices. The line “Complacency, they count on it, say you don’t have time” suggests that the people in power rely on the public’s inaction or disinterest to continue exploiting resources and maintaining their grip on power.
The phrase “And we all roll merrily, merri-merrily along along” reinforces this idea, conveying a sense of passive acceptance as the world moves forward despite obvious injustices. It’s a sharp critique of how people often continue with their daily lives, even in the face of crises, as if nothing significant is happening.
Environmental exploitation and health concerns
Bruce touches on environmental degradation and its impact on public health. The lines “Army man leaching foam / Into the water never told a soul” could refer to toxic waste being secretly dumped into water supplies, endangering the health of the public without their knowledge. This could be a nod to historical incidents of environmental pollution, like the contamination of drinking water by chemicals from industrial or military operations.
The following line, “Why is your friend sick, such a mystery,” adds a personal touch to the broader environmental theme, pointing out how these hidden dangers affect real people. The mention of “new clandestine ops” suggests that these harmful activities are kept secret, furthering the theme of deception and lack of transparency.
Manipulation and exploitation of the public
“Marty got em hooked for cheap / Then jacked the price for the clean sweep” refers to a classic bait-and-switch tactic, where something is offered at a low price only for the cost to rise dramatically once people are dependent on it. This could be a metaphor for how companies or governments exploit the public by creating an illusion of affordability, only to later raise prices or reduce quality once they have control. This can apply to various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals or essential services, where people’s reliance on certain goods or services leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.
The phrase “Said now’s the time to do the fleece / And do it for all to see” emphasises how blatant these actions have become, with those in power openly taking advantage of the public without fear of consequence.
The call to action
The song repeatedly asks the listener whether they have “had enough” and are “finally pissed off,” encouraging people to wake up to these issues and act. The line “Shouldn’t have believed what they said” points to the deception that the public has been subjected to, urging a reassessment of trust in leadership.
The repeated refrain of being “sick and tired” highlights the emotional toll that these systemic problems have on individuals and society as a whole. Yet, the final line, “Reminds me of me, a lot,” adds a personal reflection, suggesting that the singer has also been complacent in the past or that they identify with the general public’s frustration.
“Had Enough” is a powerful critique of the modern world, addressing issues such as political corruption, environmental exploitation, corporate greed, and public complacency. The song conveys a sense of urgency and frustration, calling on listeners to recognise these problems and take action. It serves as both a reflection on the state of society and a rallying cry for change.