Double Standards

Double Standards


Double Standards – A Portrait of a Split Society.



„Double Standards“ is a pointed, socially critical singer-songwriter ballad in the spirit of Reinhard Mey, blending fingerstyle acoustic guitar with a warm, narrative male voice and a razor-sharp look at the contradictions of our time. Sometimes playful, sometimes revealing – always poetic.


What’s it about? This song uses fine irony and lyrical finesse to highlight how far ideal and reality can drift apart in everyday life. It tells of people who preach morality – but only when it suits them. Whether it’s the eco-conscious cyclist racking up frequent flyer miles, the manager citing ethics codes while rearranging his schedule, or the moral crusader with secrets of his own: “Double Standards” holds up a mirror to society – elegant, but unflinching.


It’s not an accusation. It’s a smile with sharp teeth.


Musical Mood: The song begins gently, led by delicate fingerstyle guitar – like observing life from the window of a quiet café. With each verse, the arrangement gains depth: soft percussion, subtle string accents, and a rich storytelling voice give the lyrics emotional weight and presence.


The chorus carries an almost hymn-like energy – catchy, critical, but full of knowing charm.


Instrumentation: Warm, flowing fingerstyle acoustic guitar – Subtle string layers (e.g., cello & violin) for dramatic texture – Soft percussion grounding the rhythm – Optional light brass or accordion for folk character – Expressive baritone vocals with natural vibrato


Tone & Atmosphere:  Satirical, reflective, deeply human – this is a song that dances between irony and insight. Social commentary without bitterness, poetic without pretense. It walks the tightrope between truth and wit, indignation and empathy.

Structure:  “Double Standards” builds its impact in stages: first observation, then unmasking, ending in a reconciliatory final verse that invites listeners to reflect. The last chorus echoes like an ironic revelation.


Comparison: A musical miniature in the vein of Reinhard Mey, Georg Kreisler, or Stoppok – poetic, political, precise.


A song that winks while it stings. And leaves you smiling… slightly caught out.


„Double Standards"


She rides her cargo bike with pride and perfect grace, Claims the bike path’s for the weak – she takes the busy place. Behind her, traffic fumes and drivers clench their jaw, But she’s out to save the planet, fighting for a cause. She’ll fly twice every year – but keeps that to herself. “It’s complicated,” she explains, and leaves it on the shelf.


Double standards – the national pastime, With halos polished bright, while the ego hides in mime. We shout for greener futures, demand a cleaner way, But only when it suits us – not every single day. So here’s the moral: before you preach or scout, Clean your own front porch – and you’ll come better out. 


Old Mr. Miller moans, “What’s with the Pride Parade?” “In my day, folks had values — now they just misbehave!” But nights reveal his secrets, with drinks and cheeky flair, A wink beyond the wedding ring – but hey, that’s only fair. “Entirely different story!” he says with flushed red cheeks, “Morality’s for daylight – the night? That never speaks.”


Double standards – we tailor them so well, In public roles we're saints, in private – who can tell? We draw strict lines in sand, enforce them like the law, But trip on our own footprints, pretending none we saw. So here’s the moral: beware the righteous shout – Loudest often hide what they're loudest about. 


The boss rants, “You were late – ten minutes! That’s a joke!” Though he’s gone each Friday noon, beneath his office cloak. He preaches dedication, demands we toe the line, Then bends the rules for lunch dates or when the golf sun shines. He quotes the code of conduct, plays Moral Referee, Yet half the staff suspect – his code has apathy.


Then there’s the politicians – “Buy electric, save the Earth!” Yet won’t reveal where batteries are mined for what they’re worth. What happens to those engines? Just don’t ask or pry – ‘Cause knowing ruins slogans, and slogans always lie.


Double standards – our modern masquerade, With virtue banners waved, while honesty's delayed. We dream of perfect worlds – but only when they fit, And when we're held to task, our flaws go down the pit. So here’s the moral: don’t act the holy spouse – Just sweep your side, and walk proud from your house!




Songtext © Manfred Piringer



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Double Standards

Double Standards