Meaning of Tell Me What the Papers Say by Elton John

In Elton John's song, "Tell Me What the Papers Say," the lyrics delve into the complex world of media influence and the impact it has on society. The overall theme of the song revolves around the notion that newspapers often fabricate stories or manipulate facts to fit their narratives, leaving the readers questioning what is true and what is merely a sensationalized headline.One standout lyric that reflects this theme is "I spy headlines, newsprint tells lies." Here, Elton John draws attention to the fact that headlines can be misleading and often contain exaggerated or completely false information. This lyric suggests that the media may not always have the public's best interests in mind when crafting news stories.Another important lyric in the song is "Coal mines closed down, nobody's working underground today." This line not only highlights the decline of the coal mining industry but also raises questions about the media's portrayal of the situation. Elton John's choice of words, "nobody's working underground," implies that the media may be overlooking the personal stories and struggles of the individuals affected by the closure. It suggests that the media is more focused on generating headlines rather than presenting an accurate representation of the impact these closures have on real people's lives.The lyric "Japanese still killing whales" touches on the media's tendency to emphasize certain stories while neglecting others. The media often chooses to focus on sensational topics rather than shedding light on pressing global issues. Elton John points out that while the media may choose to cover celebrity scandals or trivial matters, they often overlook serious matters such as environmental concerns. This lyric serves as a reminder that important stories can be buried beneath the more attention-grabbing headlines.Moving on to the line "Teen dreams on two-inch screens, lipstick boys all look like queens," Elton John addresses the influence of media on the perception of beauty and gender norms. This lyric suggests that the media perpetuates certain stereotypes and contributes to the pressure felt by young people to conform to societal expectations. It brings attention to the idea that media representation can be harmful, instilling unrealistic beauty standards and shaping perceptions of gender identity.Returning to the chorus, the lyrics "Dope and pills, guns kill, death just buys cheap thrills" shed light on the media's tendency to focus on the sensational aspects of crime and tragedy. Elton John implies that the media's obsession with violence and provocative stories may desensitize the public to the real consequences of these issues. This lyric suggests that instead of providing genuine insight or solutions, the media may exploit tragedies for cheap thrills and increased readership.In summary, "Tell Me What the Papers Say" delves into the influence and manipulation of the media. Through a series of thought-provoking lyrics, Elton John highlights the media's distortion of truth, the impact on society, and the role it plays in shaping perceptions. The song encourages listeners to question the information presented to them and the agendas that may be at play. It serves as a reminder to seek diverse perspectives and not blindly accept everything the media presents.