The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Dunce" by the artist "Voltaire"

In the poem "Dunce," Voltaire paints a portrait of a man suffering from his own inability to control his speech. The lyrical hero realizes that his words are often inappropriate, rude, and hurtful, but he is unable to stop himself.

He compares himself to a jester performing before an audience, but instead of laughter, he evokes only bewilderment and anger. The hero acknowledges his guilt and is ready to be punished for his intemperance. He begs to be tied up, to have his mouth shut, just so he can no longer hurt those around him.

The hero's internal conflict is heightened by the metaphor of a lever between his brain and his mouth, which prevents him from stopping in time. He is like an observer of his own actions, powerless to change the situation.

Despite the hero's desire to be witty and cheerful, his attempts to lighten the mood only bring tears to those around him. He longs to be "someone else," someone who can control his speech and not inflict pain.

The final lines of the poem are bitter self-deprecation, reflecting the hopelessness of the situation. The hero accepts his title of "king of dunces," condemning himself to eternal punishment for his own words.