Lyrics
I ain't going to go to work, I ain't going to go to school
I refuse to go to work or school.
Life is just too complicated, to be somebody's fool
Life is too complex to be easily deceived or taken advantage of.
My side of the mountain, my side of the road
I claim my own space and path.
To live on what you need, not on what you own
Emphasizing the idea of living based on necessity rather than material possessions.
To go, and make do, to get back to nature
Advocating a return to a simpler life, closer to nature.
To live, and breathe, to see but not to own
Expressing the essence of living, observing, and experiencing without possessing.
I'm going to camp out, in the trees by the freeway
Choosing to live outdoors, specifically near the freeway.
Misty ice-plant, running water, and plenty of shade
Describing the natural surroundings with misty ice-plant, running water, and shade.
Well first I'll get me a hammock
Planning to set up a hammock for comfort.
Then I'll get some food
Considering basic needs like food.
Then I guess I could read or write
Anticipating time for leisure activities such as reading or writing.
I won't have much to do
Expecting a lack of busywork or obligations.
No more getting up early
No longer adhering to early waking schedules.
Or having to go to bed
Rejecting the need for a fixed bedtime.
I'll do just what I want to do
Embracing the freedom to do whatever one desires.
Whatever comes to my head
Following spontaneous thoughts and actions.
To go, and make do, to get back to nature
Reiterating the call to return to a more natural lifestyle.
To live, and breathe, to see but not to own
Re-emphasizing the idea of living without possessing.
I'm going to camp out, in the trees by the freeway
Reaffirming the decision to camp near the freeway.
Misty ice-plant, running water, and plenty of shade
Reiterating the appealing features of the chosen camping spot.
There's a few things a modern man begins to miss from the modern world
Highlighting the things modern society values that the narrator is willing to give up.
Like a car, a color TV, a radio and a modern girl
Mentioning specific modern conveniences and desires.
But I'd rather miss all of that than get caught in the rat race trap
Preferring a simpler life over the stresses of societal expectations.
It really ain't so bad learning to live and breathe as a natural man
Expressing contentment in living naturally, free from societal pressures.
I ain't going to go to work, I ain't going to go to school
Repeating the refusal to participate in traditional work or educational systems.
Life is just too complicated, to be somebody's fool
Reiterating the sentiment that life's complexities make blind obedience undesirable.
My side of the mountain, my side of the road
Repeating the idea of claiming personal space and direction.
To live on what you need, not on what you owe
Emphasizing the choice to live based on necessities rather than debts or obligations.
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