The Kids Aren't Alright
The Haunting Tale of Broken Dreams
Lyrics
When we were young, the future was so bright (whoa)
Reflecting on the bright and promising future of youth.
The old neighborhood was so alive (whoa)
Nostalgia for the vibrant atmosphere of the old neighborhood.
And every kid on the whole damn street (whoa)
Expressing the ambition of every kid in the neighborhood to achieve success.
Was gonna make it big and not be beat
Emphasizing the determination to succeed and not be defeated.
Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn (whoa)
Describing the current state of the neighborhood as damaged and worn down.
The kids are grown up but their lives are worn (whoa)
Noting the grown-up kids whose lives have not lived up to their early promise.
How can one little street swallow so many lives?
Raising the question of how one street can impact so many lives negatively.
Chances thrown, nothing's free
Commenting on missed opportunities and the absence of free chances.
Longing for what used to be
Expressing a desire for the past and what once was.
Still it's hard, hard to see
Highlighting the difficulty in recognizing the present reality.
Fragile lives, shattered dreams, go
Referring to the vulnerability of lives and the shattered nature of dreams.
Jamie had a chance, well, she really did (whoa)
Introducing a character, Jamie, who had a chance but made different life choices.
Instead she dropped out and had a couple of kids (whoa)
Explaining Jamie's choice to drop out and become a parent.
Mark still lives at home 'cause he's got no job (whoa)
Describing Mark's situation of living at home without a job, engaged in music and substance use.
Just plays guitar and smokes a lot of pot
Depicting a lifestyle centered around playing guitar and excessive smoking.
Jay committed suicide (whoa)
Revealing a tragic event of Jay committing suicide.
Brandon OD'd and died (whoa)
Mentioning Brandon's overdose and death.
What the hell is going on?
Pondering the chaos and unfortunate events happening in the neighborhood.
The cruelest dream, reality
Describing the harsh reality as the cruelest dream.
Chances thrown, nothing's free
Reiterating the theme of missed opportunities and the absence of free chances.
Longing for what used to be
Expressing a yearning for the past and what once was.
Still it's hard, hard to see
Reiterating the difficulty in recognizing the present reality.
Fragile lives, shattered dreams, go
Emphasizing the vulnerability of lives and the shattered nature of dreams.
Chances thrown, nothing's free
Repeating the theme of missed opportunities and the absence of free chances.
Longing for what used to be
Reiterating a desire for the past and what once was.
Still it's hard, hard to see
Emphasizing the difficulty in recognizing the present reality once again.
Fragile lives, shattered dreams
Reiterating the vulnerability of lives and the shattered nature of dreams.
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