The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Tattoo" by the artist "Who, The"

In The Who's song "Tattoo," the narrator and his brother grapple with the question of what makes a man. Under pressure from their conservative father who disapproves of their appearance, they decide that masculinity lies in getting tattoos.

The lyrics are full of irony. The characters are young and naive, believing that a tattoo signifies adulthood and masculinity. "Welcome to my life tattoo / I'm a man because of you," sings the narrator, not yet realizing that hasty decisions can have lasting consequences.

Their relationship with their father is strained. He represents traditional views on masculinity, while the sons rebel against his authority. Interestingly, the mother supports their choice, although she criticizes the content of one of the tattoos.

At the end of the song, the narrator is older and covered in tattoos, as is his wife. He seems stuck in the past, repeating "Rooti-toot-toot tattoo you" – a meaningless phrase symbolizing his inability to make sense of his life choices.

The song leaves a bittersweet feeling. The narrator never truly finds the answer to his question. The tattoos, meant to make him a man, become a reminder of youthful rebellion and a complex relationship with his father.