Poem Analysis - Values 67

A Cynical Snapshot of a Changing World

Spike Milligan's "Values '67" is a biting satire, dripping with cynicism and disillusionment. The poem paints a bleak picture of a society obsessed with consumerism and conformity, where nature and genuine emotion are sacrificed at the altar of progress and artificiality. The tone is initially harsh and dismissive, becoming increasingly absurd and darkly humorous as it progresses. The envoi provides a final, twisted punchline, encapsulating the poem's overall message of societal decay.

The Rise of Artificiality and the Rejection of Nature

One of the central themes of "Values '67" is the replacement of the natural world with artificial substitutes. The poem presents a world where a tree is seen as a "danger" and is promptly chopped down, symbolizing humanity's destructive relationship with nature. This destruction is contrasted with the embrace of the "scarlet, labour saving plastic rose," which is valued for its convenience and artificial perfection, even though it only smells of "Daz!" (a laundry detergent). This stark juxtaposition highlights the poem's critique of a society that prioritizes artificiality over authenticity and tangible connection to the earth.

Conformity and the Suppression of Individuality

The poem also explores the theme of conformity and the suppression of individuality. The opening lines, "Pass by citizen / don't look left or right," urge the reader to blindly follow the prescribed path, discouraging independent thought or deviation from the norm. The casual cruelty directed at the "pansies calling for water" – a derogatory term for homosexuals – reinforces this theme, suggesting that those who are different are not only unwelcome but actively persecuted. This reinforces the sense that the poem critiques a society that stifles individuality and punishes those who don't conform.

The "Four Wheeled God": Consumerism as Religion

A powerful symbol in the poem is the "newly polished / Four wheeled / God." This is clearly a reference to the automobile, which is elevated to a religious status. The line "Pray no rain will fall" suggests that the car is not just a possession, but an object of worship, demanding protection and care. This symbol encapsulates the poem's critique of consumerism, implying that material possessions have become the new idols in a society that has lost its spiritual compass. The car represents the pursuit of material wealth above all else, highlighting the emptiness and superficiality of this value system.

A Twisted View of Beauty

The envoi, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder / Get it out with Optrex," is a dark and sardonic conclusion. It suggests that beauty itself is an inconvenience, something to be removed or corrected. Optrex, an eye wash, becomes a tool for sanitizing perception, implying that the speaker (and perhaps society at large) prefers a filtered, artificial view of the world to genuine beauty. This final line underscores the poem's bleak outlook, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and questioning the true "values" of the world Milligan depicts.

Final Thoughts: A Warning and a Reflection

"Values '67" is more than just a humorous rant; it's a sharp social commentary on the dangers of unchecked consumerism, conformity, and the rejection of the natural world. Spike Milligan uses biting satire and vivid imagery to create a disturbing portrait of a society losing its way. While the poem is rooted in the context of 1967, its themes of artificiality, suppression of individuality, and misplaced priorities remain relevant today, serving as a warning and a reflection on the direction our society is heading.