City Baby Attacked By Rats

The song 'City Baby Attacked By Rats' by GBH is a visceral portrayal of urban decay and the neglect faced by the most vulnerable in society. The lyrics paint a grim picture of a baby, only three months old, who is subjected to a life of squalor and danger in the city. The repeated line 'City baby, city baby, city baby attacked by rats' emphasizes the innocence of the child juxtaposed with the harsh reality of their environment. The imagery of a baby being attacked by rats is both literal and metaphorical, suggesting the child is being consumed by the conditions they are forced to live in.

The second verse delves deeper into the living conditions, describing a place that lacks joy and is detrimental to one's health and well-being. The 'rat living in your skull' is a powerful metaphor for the decay and destruction that urban poverty can inflict on the human mind and body. It also alludes to the neglect and lack of care that society shows towards its most helpless members. The term 'mutant at the age of one' further illustrates the dehumanizing effect of such an environment, reducing a child to something less than human, a 'human rodent cabbage.' This line suggests that the child's growth and development are stunted by their surroundings, causing irreparable damage.

GBH, known for their influential role in the punk rock scene, often uses their music to comment on social issues. 'City Baby Attacked By Rats' is a stark reminder of the consequences of societal neglect and the importance of addressing the needs of all community members, especially the young and vulnerable. The song serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and combat the conditions that lead to such despair and degradation.