70
criticizing and even alluding Bush administration to make the listeners recognize the matter faced by the nation resulted in his presidency. Further the meaning of irony
contained in Sad State of Affairs will be elaborated below. They are:
a. Its such a sad state of affairs and I dont care
A sad state of affairs Its such a sad state of affairs, I dont care
Dramatic irony here means the disappointment of the band to most of the USA citizens particularly youth are not aware of every affair of the
state. The word I don’t care is an expression of anger of the band to people in their country who don’t care to their social political issues.
It is a fact from Punkvoter a website for punk community that in the 2000 election, Bush won Florida by only 537 votes. 2 million registered
voters in Florida did NOT vote in that election. If only 600 of those had voted for Gore The opposition party, a candidate from Democrat, the
country would be in a very different position. Additionally, only 38 of young people 18-29 voted in the 2000 presidential election. This is not
only sad; it is pathetic
113
. The reasons are various. They do not trust to any candidate and has
already desperate of the quality work of the government. But, in this line, the descendent would like to bring the idea that action not to vote is not
going to make change. So, the author indirectly preaches to the listeners to be more care and aware to state of affairs from using vote and other
social political problems, especially young people can make a huge
113
http:punkvoter.comaboutabout_obj.php
.
Accessed on March, 2007
.
71
difference by becoming active in the election process because voting is the crucial first step and apathy can be fatal. The issue to vote organized
by www.punkvoter.com
a punk site community to give information why actually they should vote and other provoking facts to make them think
twice to re-elect Bush in 2004 presidential election.
b. And each little insect doesnt get me angry
Dramatic irony occurred in each little insect and the phrase doesn’t get me angry means the anxiety of the band to the apathy of most
American youth to every little insect, which means every affair of the nation. It is known that insect here means affairs as the titled given, sad
state of affairs. State of affairs as the title of this lyrics is the indication that it isn’t little stuff. In the contrary, it is something that needs more
attention. Ignoring a serious problem related to nation by youth is something common. However, through this lyric where dramatic applied,
the band intend to give a point of view for youth to make them be more aware of the nation’s affairs.
c. A sad state of affairs