Released: 2014
“Heaven Knows” by The Pretty Reckless is a gritty, head-banging anthem that takes a raw look at desperation, societal struggles, and the darker aspects of human life. The song carries a rebellious tone, questioning authority and the status quo, all while acknowledging the seemingly predetermined fate of its characters – an existence “way down below.” It’s a rally cry for those who’ve felt the heavy hand of life pushing them down, encapsulated by powerful rock riffs and a chorus that’s impossible not to shout along to.
The song kicks off with the story of “Jimmy” and “Judy,” two characters living on the fringes of society. Jimmy’s “in the back with a pocket of high,” suggesting he’s using drugs as an escape from his troubles, a theme that resonates through rock’s history as a poignant commentary on escaping reality. Judy, on the other hand, is “in the front seat picking up trash,” living on welfare (“the dole”) and trying to scrape by. This opening paints a stark picture of life at the bottom, where dreams are far-flung, and survival is the day-to-day goal.
The refrain “Oh Lord, heaven knows, we belong way down below” serves as a dark acknowledgment or even acceptance of their place in society. There’s a rebellious, almost mocking tone to invoking “Oh Lord,” as if to say, even divinity has forsaken them, or perhaps, that their fate is unjustly predetermined.
As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the sense of entrapment and defiance against societal norms. “Caught in the eye of a dead man’s lie / Start your life with your head held high / Now you’re on your knees with your head hung low / Big man tells you where to go.” These lines reflect a cycle of hope and despair, the “dead man’s lie” potentially symbolizing the false promises fed to society’s underclass. The “big man” could be seen as a figure of authority or society itself, dictating their path without offering real opportunities for upward mobility.
The song hits its pinnacle with a defiant stand against conformity and submission – “Don’t do a goddamn thing they say.” This line is a fierce declaration of independence, urging listeners to reject the status quo and forge their own path, despite the odds stacked against them. It’s a moment of empowering clarity amidst the song’s portrayal of struggle and despair.
Ending with the repetition of the characters and their call to the depths, “Heaven Knows” circles back to its refrain, reinforcing its message of belonging “way down below.” Yet, in this resignation, there’s a sense of unity and shared experience among those cast aside. It’s as much a lament as it is an anthem of solidarity for the disenfranchised.
In essence, “Heaven Knows” by The Pretty Reckless is a thunderous, defiant roar from the depths of society’s shadows. It’s a song that encapsulates the fight against oppressive forces, the struggle to survive against the odds, and the bitter acceptance of a world that often looks the other way. But more than that, it’s a testament to the resilience and rebellious spirit of those who refuse to be kept down, making it a powerful piece of rock music that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.
