Rancid

Lyrics

7 ContributorsArrested in Shanghai LyricsThey assured me I was guilty but I committed no crime
They said confessions bring lenience so they put me on the line
So I protest the massacres at the Tiananmen Square
My friends said, "Yo, stay away man, you better not go fuckin' back there"

Wouldn't let me write about my opinions about the state
And the freedom of expression they would never tolerate
And the military secrets that I never did steal
I didn't start no violence, no, there was nobody that I killed, no

So I had a clear account of all the abuses of power
And the memories of homeland now gone sour
And I only got one weapon, it's so plain for me to see
My only weapon I call poetry

[Chorus]
And I don't even know why
The truth seems like a lie
In my cell there is no sky
When I was arrested in Shanghai

Now, into wealth and privilege I was not born
But a devotion to freedom and liberty I was sworn
So every emotion is studied, watched and controlled
Who gets paid, who gets disciplined, who gets rolled
You might also likeSo transmitter beams my coordinates anywhere on earth
And as radio waves surveillance, satellite burst
Open up your skull and let some knowledge come in
Crack open the cranium and let awareness begin

[Chorus]
And I don't even know why
The truth seems like a lie
In my cell there is no sky
When I was arrested in ShanghaiEmbed

Are you in the mood for a song that tells a story? A song that transports you to another place and time? Look no further than "Arrested in Shanghai" by punk rock legends Rancid. This song is gritty, intense, and full of emotion. It's a tale of a man who gets caught up in the wrong crowd and finds himself in trouble in a foreign land. With its powerful lyrics and driving rhythm, "Arrested in Shanghai" is a must-listen for any fan of punk rock or storytelling in music.

About Arrested in Shanghai

"Arrested in Shanghai" was released in 2009 on Rancid's seventh studio album, Let the Dominoes Fall. The album was received positively by both fans and critics, with "Arrested in Shanghai" standing out as a standout track. The song was written by Rancid's lead vocalist and guitarist, Tim Armstrong, and tells the story of a man who travels to Shanghai and gets involved with a group of criminals. The man is eventually caught by the police and thrown in jail, where he spends the remainder of the song contemplating his actions and the consequences of his choices.

One of the most striking things about "Arrested in Shanghai" is its use of imagery. From the opening lines, "It was a neon night, a neon height, it was a neon city on the go," listeners are transported to the bustling, colorful streets of Shanghai. Armstrong's lyrics conjure up vivid images of the city's nightlife, its people, and its seedy underbelly. The chorus of the song is especially powerful, with Armstrong repeating the line, "I got arrested in Shanghai," driving home the gravity of the situation the protagonist finds himself in.

The instrumentation of "Arrested in Shanghai" deserves special mention as well. Rancid's signature blend of punk, ska, and reggae is on full display here, with fast-paced guitar riffs, a driving bass line, and a propulsive drum beat. The song's bridge features a haunting guitar solo that adds to the overall sense of desperation and urgency in the lyrics. It's easy to imagine the protagonist of the song pacing back and forth in his jail cell as the music swirls around him.

At its core, "Arrested in Shanghai" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved with the wrong people and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. The song's protagonist is remorseful about his choices and aware of the consequences of his actions, as evidenced by the lines, "I knew that I was wrong, but I could not resist, the thrill of the night was as sweet as a kiss." "Arrested in Shanghai" is a powerful example of storytelling in music and a testament to Rancid's enduring passion for punk rock.

In a world where mainstream music often lacks depth and substance, "Arrested in Shanghai" is a refreshing reminder of the power of punk rock to tell powerful stories and evoke powerful emotions in listeners. Whether you're a die-hard punk fan or just appreciate great music, "Arrested in Shanghai" is a song that deserves a place on your playlist.

• Release Date: August 19, 2003
• Artist: Rancid