I can't see "Signs" as smug; more like ... venting of frustration. Though I guess somebody put off by simplistic idealism might be rubbed the wrong way by the final verse and the "what gives you the right / to keep other people out / or keep Mother Nature in" verse.
"American Woman" comes off more bitter than smug, to me (and it seems powerful musical ideas wind up attached to bitter songs -- "American Woman" is cool to listen to even if you ignore the words, and "How Do You Sleep" has some fascinating instrumentation, as I recall.)
(no subject)
"American Woman" comes off more bitter than smug, to me (and it seems powerful musical ideas wind up attached to bitter songs -- "American Woman" is cool to listen to even if you ignore the words, and "How Do You Sleep" has some fascinating instrumentation, as I recall.)