Song meaning of The Next Great American Spirit Strikes Back! by Harrison Gordon

The song "The Next Great American Spirit Strikes Back!" by Harrison Gordon expresses a sense of disillusionment, rebellion, and self-destruction. The lyrics convey a feeling of frustration and apathy towards the state of the world, as exemplified by the line "Seven years of college down the drain. Might as well join the fucking peace corps." This suggests a sense of wasted time and a rejection of the conventional path to success.

The song also delves into the theme of addiction and self-destructive behavior. The use of cigarettes as a symbol represents the protagonist's reliance on a harmful habit to cope with life's difficulties. Despite being aware of the negative consequences, the narrator admits, "It costs me fifteen bucks a week, but it's the only thing that keeps me awake off four hours of sleep." This line highlights a cycle of dependency and an inability to find healthier coping mechanisms.

Furthermore, the lyrics touch upon a longing for connection and companionship. The line "I need to stop falling in love with girls I've never met, and replacing those feelings with cheap cigarettes" suggests a lack of genuine emotional intimacy and an attempt to fill the void with temporary pleasures.

Overall, the song portrays a sense of discontentment, disillusionment, and yearning for something more meaningful in life. It serves as a critique of societal expectations and a reflection of the internal struggles individuals face in navigating their place in the world.