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Rock „n‟ Roll Show and Tell 

“Shout” by Tears For Fears 

ShoutShout

Let it all out

These are things I can do without

Come On

I'm talking to you

Come on

In violent times

You shouldn't have to sell your soul

In black and white

They really really ought to knowThose one track minds

That took you for a working boy

Kiss them goodbye

You shouldn't have to jump for joy

Shout

They gave you life

And in return you gave them them hell

As cold as ice

I hope we live to tell the tale

Shout

And when you've taken down your guard

If I could change your mind

I'd really love to break your heart

Shout

Tears For Fears is an English band formed in 1981. They are remembered for their use of “new

wave” and “synthesized” beats, which were quite popular in the 1980s. They have received

much recognition and success across the world. Their most popular songs are “Shout,”

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Mad World.” Tears For Fears still tours today. 

Above: Americans peacefully protesting the Vietnam War , only

to met with police militia

Below: Protesters “shouting” and speaking their minds during t

Occupy Wall Street movement

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According to the band, “Shout” is about the aftermath of the Cold War, and it encourages

citizens to protest however they feel is necessary.

First, this song talks about the rights and wrongs of a strong democracy. The line “You

shouldn‟t have to sell your soul,” speaks to the fact that we as citizens should be protected by our 

government, without having to give away all of our possessions. In order for us to be a part of astrong democracy, we should have a right to public action and speak up for what we believe is

 just. If there is conflict, we need to be able to stand our ground and be both reasonable and

 practical in our beliefs. Without this reasonableness and practicality, we are lost and we are the

ones to blame for a government that does not respond to our voices. As citizens, we are bound

 by our common beliefs.

The beginning of “Shout” invites us to speak up to those above and around us, demanding for 

our voice to be heard. Come on. I’m talking to you. As citizens, we should be able to speak for 

our people. It may not always be easy because it takes action from both sides. We become

citizens because of our choice to participate in society. Additionally, through invitationalrhetoric, we are summoned to invoke change in world, gain a better understanding of common

 beliefs, and allow an equality between “us” and “them.” 

Second, “Shout” speaks about the methods used to create a general understanding about civil

rights. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. employed the nonviolent approach to protest because it brings

about reconciliation and redemption. However, “Shout” does not talk about this type of 

nonviolence. Instead, it talks about the opposite of what Dr. King advocated.

 And when you've taken down your guard 

 If I could change your mind  I'd really love to break your heart 

The song talks about doing whatever is necessary to get your way. The government takes us for 

granted, so we need to do whatever it takes to break them down, and “give them hell,” as it states

later in the song. 

This type of violence does not serve any good. Violence brings about bitterness and hatred,

which are difficult to overcome. Instead of resorting to violence, we should recognize that there

are nonviolent ways to speak our minds and make our voices heard. Even when we think all

hope is lost, we must remember that the way to win is to protest respectfully and peacefully. We

do this by creating tension within the community, and advocating for just treatment. Instead of 

using our fists, we must use our voices to “shout” for our causes, which in turn will bring us into

a “New Age” of civil rights. 

Lastly, it is important to include marginalized groups into society for a strong democracy.

Today, it is very easy to think about the status quo, and forget about the other groups that may

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not be included, such as veterans, homeless citizens, or people with disabilities. We must speak 

up to ensure that everyone is included in this democracy.

They really really ought to know

Those one track minds

That took you for a working boy Kiss them goodbye

With these “one track minds,” we have to ensure that marginalized groups are not left out. As

citizens, it is our responsibility to include these groups in our dialogue and rhetoric. We have to

speak up and shout for those who may not have a voice. If no one shouts, then who will? We

must take a stand for democracy, and ensure that everyone is heard from.

“Shout” by Tears For Fears talks about what we must do as citizens to ensure that our voices are

heard. If we sit back and let things happen, then we have no one else to blame but ourselves.

The song suggests that we must be proactive in our dialogues and actions to ensure that we aretaken seriously.