In this poignant track, The Offspring explore the disillusionment and decay of youthful promise within a suburban community. Initially depicted as a place of potential, the neighborhood deteriorates into a landscape of unfulfilled dreams and personal tragedies. The song juxtaposes the bright expectations of youth against the harsh realities faced by adults—economic struggles, substance abuse, and untimely deaths. Through powerful imagery and a repetitive chorus, the band underscores the cyclical nature of despair that entraps the once hopeful youth. This reflection serves as a critique of societal failures to support succeeding generations, highlighting how individual lives are profoundly affected by broader socio-economic conditions.
The Kids Aren't Alright
Lyrics
When we were young, the future was so bright (whoa)
The old neighborhood was so alive (whoa)
And every kid on the whole damn street (whoa)
Was gonna make it big and not be beat
Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn (whoa)
The kids are grown up but their lives are worn (whoa)
How can one little street swallow so many lives?
Chances thrown, nothing's free
Longing for what used to be
Still it's hard, hard to see
Fragile lives, shattered dreams, go
Jamie had a chance, well, she really did (whoa)
Instead she dropped out and had a couple of kids (whoa)
Mark still lives at home 'cause he's got no job (whoa)
Just plays guitar and smokes a lot of pot
Jay committed suicide (whoa)
Brandon OD'd and died (whoa)
What the hell is going on?
The cruelest dream, reality
Chances thrown, nothing's free
Longing for what used to be
Still it's hard, hard to see
Fragile lives, shattered dreams, go
Chances thrown, nothing's free
Longing for what used to be
Still it's hard, hard to see
Fragile lives, shattered dreams
Writer(s): Bryan Keith Holland
Copyright(s): Lyrics © ROUND HILL CARLIN, LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
What is the Meaning of The Kids Aren't Alright
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