Don't Tread On Me examines the issue of ageism. It reminds me of Hello In There" by lyricist, John Prine. Respect is the key Hunter says and the same phrase was used by Metallica. The phrase originated with the motto on the Gadsden flag which is an historic expression of American patriotism. Ian appropriates the motto in the song as a more general expression of personal freedom and individualism which remains an American cultural trait.
Hang by for heavy burden when you can't get a word in
Nobody knows you're hurtin', you're an invisible man
Nobody talkin' to you, everybody lookin' straight through you
Everybody tryin' to screw you, they don't give a damn
No, they don't give a damn
Don't try pushin' me around 'cause I'm gonna stand my ground
I ain't no lost and found, I could be your worst enemy
Everybody chimin' in and nobody listening
Everybody know everything, ever to need
Ever to need, don't tread on me
(Don't tread) I've got to sting like poison ivy
(Don't tread on me) I can crawl back
(Don't tread) and I've got a long memory
(Don't tread on me) with my back against the wall
(Don't tread) I can beat you all
(Don't tread on me) ain't treading on you, so don't tread on me
I ain't lookin' for charity and I sure ain't lookin' for sympathy
Just lookin' for a chance to be somebody, somebody, hey
I ain't no nickel and dime, maybe I've fallen out of time
But poverty ain't no crime, respect is the key
Respect is the key, respect is the key
Respect is the key, don't tread on me
(Don't tread) I've got to sting like poison ivy
(Don't tread on me) I can crawl back
(Don't tread) 'cause I've got a long memory
(Don't tread on me) with my back against the wall
(Don't tread) no, I could beat you all
(Don't tread on me) ain't treading on you, so don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
(Don't tread) I've got to sting like poison ivy
(Don't tread on me) I can crawl back
(Don't tread) 'cause I've got a long memory
(Don't tread on me) with my back against the wall
(Don't tread) oh, I could beat you all
(Don't tread on me) I ain't treading on you, so don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't tread on me
Don't you tread on me
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
Originating as a motto on an iconic Revolutionary War flag, don’t tread on me is a historic expression of American patriotism. Today, it may be used as a more general expression of personal freedom and individualism.
Nice touch on the congas by Rich Pagano.
Respect is the key.
https://youtu.be/KuD5I8qxgK8