Manic Street Preachers

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Teacher starve your child, P.C. approved
As long as the right words are used
Systemised atrocity ignored
As long as bi-lingual signs on view
Ten foot sign in Oxford Street
Be pure - be vigilant - behave
Grey not neon, grey not real
Life bleeds, death is your birthright

[Bridge]
P.C. she speaks impotent, sterile, naive, blind, atheist, sadist
Stiff-upper lip, first principle of her silence, of her silence

[Chorus]
P.C.P. - a P.C. police victory
P.C.P. - a P.C. Pyrrhic victory
When I was young P.C. meant Police Constable
Nowadays I can't seem to tell the difference

[Verse 2]
Liposuction for your bad mouth boy
Cut out your tongue, effigies are sold
Words discoloured, bow to the bland
Heal yourself with sinner's salt
Doctors arrested for euthanasia
Kill smokers through blind vanity
If you're fat don't get ill
Europe's gravestone carved in plastic
[Bridge]
P.C. she says inoculate, hallucinate, beware Shakespeare
Bring fresh air, king cigarette snuffed out
By her midgets, by her midgets

[Chorus]
P.C.P. - a P.C. police victory
P.C.P. - a P.C. Pyrrhic victory
When I was young P.C. meant Police Constable
Nowadays I can't seem to tell the difference

[Bridge]
P.C. caresses bigots and big brother, read Leviticus
Learnt censorship, pro-life equals anti-choice, to be scared of, of feathers

[Chorus]
P.C.P. - a P.C. police victory
P.C.P. - a P.C. Pyrrhic victory
When I was young P.C. meant Police Constable
Nowadays I can't seem to tell the difference

[Outro]
Lawyers before love, surrogate sex
This land bows down to
Yours, unconditional love and hate
Pass the Prozac, designer amnesiac
[Sample]
"Two hundred and twenty-seven Lears, and I can't remember the first line."

If you're a fan of the iconic Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers, then you're probably familiar with their intense and thought-provoking album, The Holy Bible. And nestled towards the end of this powerful record is a track that captures the band's rebellious spirit and unapologetic lyrical prowess - "P.C.P." Also known as "PC PCP New Moral Certainty," this song delves into complex themes of language, political correctness, and the condemnation of those it aims to save. With its biting critique of societal norms, "P.C.P." stands as a cathartic expression of the band's disdain for the constraints of repression and censorship.

About P.C.P.

"P.C.P." is the final track on Manic Street Preachers' fourth studio album, The Holy Bible. Released in 1994, this album was a masterclass in raw emotion and hard-hitting commentary, with each track serving as a poignant examination of societal issues. The lyrics to "P.C.P." leave no stone unturned as they tackle the fraught relationship between language, social justice, and oppression.

The words of the band's lyricist and rhythm guitarist, Richey Edwards, shed light on the intentions behind "P.C.P." He poignantly coins the phrase "Links PC PCP New Moral Certainty," suggesting a connection between political correctness and the Portuguese Communist Party, known as PCP. Through this link, Edwards contemplates the use of language aimed at the working class and highlights the paradoxical nature of condemning the very people one aims to save.

In his lyrical exploration, Edwards also takes on the concept of self-censorship. He boldly proclaims that self-censorship is wrong, highlighting the importance of unfiltered expression and the danger of suppressing one's true thoughts and opinions. The pervasive influence of religion is not spared in "P.C.P." Edwards references the Book of Leviticus, used by homophobes to justify their hatred, and condemns the cherry-picking of biblical verses to support prejudiced views while claiming political correctness.

Nicky Wire, the bassist of Manic Street Preachers, offers his interpretation of "P.C.P." The song, for him, serves as a cathartic critique of political correctness and the stifling of free speech. Through its scathing lyrics and aggressive instrumentation, "P.C.P." embodies the band's resistance against the tightening grip of societal norms and the potential suppression of individual expression and opinions.

Listening to "P.C.P." is akin to experiencing a musical rebellion against the constraints of political correctness. The urgency of the guitars, the driving rhythm section, and the intense vocal delivery all contribute to the song's explosive energy. It demands attention and incites introspection, urging listeners to critically examine the social and political discourse that surrounds them.

As with many of the Manic Street Preachers' tracks, "P.C.P." manages to provoke thought and evoke emotion with its thought-provoking lyrics. It challenges the listener to confront their preconceptions and biases, while also highlighting the dangers of using language as a weapon instead of a tool for progress. With its powerful message and unapologetic delivery, "P.C.P." stands as a testament to the band's musical and lyrical prowess, solidifying its place as a standout track in the Manic Street Preachers' discography.

In the end, "P.C.P." serves as a reminder that art has the power to spark conversation, challenge societal norms, and encourage us to question the world we inhabit. It is a defiant cry against the constraints of political correctness, urging us to embrace free speech without losing sight of empathy and equality. If you're ready to dive into a song that packs a punch both sonically and thematically, "P.C.P." by Manic Street Preachers is waiting to captivate your senses and ignite your passion for introspection and change.

• Release Date: June 6, 1994
• Artist: Manic Street Preachers