Fortunate Son
Fortunate Son: Unmasking Privilege in America
Lyrics
Some folks are born, made to wave the flag
Some individuals are inherently patriotic and embrace nationalistic symbols.
Ooh, they're red, white and blue
These patriotic individuals are characterized by the colors of the American flag.
And when the band plays, ""Hail To The Chief""
When the national anthem plays for the leader, they show support.
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord
They are willing to use military force against those who oppose.
It ain't me, it ain't me
The singer asserts that they don't belong to this privileged, powerful group.
I ain't no senator's son, son
The singer emphasizes they are not a senator's son, distancing themselves from political elite.
It ain't me, it ain't me
Reiteration that the singer is not part of the privileged class.
I ain't no fortunate one, no
They emphasize they are not fortunate or privileged.
Some folks are born, silver spoon in hand
Some are born into wealth and privilege.
Oh, don't they help themselves, Lord?
These individuals take advantage of their privileged position.
But when the tax man comes to the door
When taxes are due, their wealth is not evident, suggesting dishonesty or evasion.
Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes
The impact of taxes on their extravagant lifestyle is visible, implying excess and waste.
It ain't me, it ain't me
The singer reiterates their lack of affiliation with the wealthy class.
I ain't no millionaire's son, son, no
They stress again that they are not the son of a millionaire.
It ain't me, it ain't me
Reiteration of the singer's lack of privilege.
I ain't no fortunate one, no, no
Emphasizing that they are not a fortunate or privileged individual.
Some folks inherit star-spangled eyes
Some inherit a blind, unquestioning patriotism.
Ooh, they'll send you down to war, Lord
These individuals are easily sent to war for the country.
And when they ask you, ""How much should we give?""
When asked for sacrifice, the response is always "More, more, more," highlighting exploitation.
Ooh, they only answer, ""More, more, more""
The demand for more sacrifice is insatiable, perhaps criticizing the war machine.
It ain't me, it ain't me
The singer reiterates their lack of affiliation with the military class.
I ain't no military son, son, no
Emphasizing that they are not the son of a military figure.
It ain't me, it ain't me
Reiteration of the singer's lack of military privilege.
I ain't no fortunate one, no, no, I
Stating again that they are not a fortunate or privileged military individual.
It ain't me, it ain't me
Repeating the assertion that the singer is not a fortunate son.
I ain't no fortunate son, no, no, no
Emphasizing once more that they are not privileged or fortunate.
It ain't me, it ain't me
Reiteration of the singer's lack of privilege.
I ain't no fortunate one, no, no, no
Stating again that they are not a fortunate or privileged individual.
(It ain't me, it ain't me)
Final repetition and affirmation that the singer is not a fortunate son.
(It ain't me, it ain't me)
-I ain't no fortune son, no, oh
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