The Kids Arent Alright by The Offspring discusses the passage of time and the drastic changes in the lives of people from a neighborhood where vocalist Dexter Holland grew up. It reflects on the hopes and dreams of youth contrasted with the harsh reality faced in adulthood.
Key: Am
Am
F
When we were young the future was so bright (Woah-oh!)
C
The old neighborhood was so alive (Woah-oh!)
G
And every kid on the whole damn street (Woah-oh!) Was gonna make it big and not be beat
Am
F
Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn (Woah-oh!)
C
The kids are grown up but their lives are worn (Woah-oh!)
G
How can one little street Swallow so many lives
Am
Chances thrown
F
Nothing's free
C
G
Longing for what used to be
Am
Still it's hard
F
Hard to see
C
G
Fragile lives, shattered dreams
Am
F
Jamie had a chance, well she really did (Woah-oh!
C
Instead she dropped out and had a couple of kids (Woah-oh!)
G
Mark still lives at home cause he's got no job Just plays guitar and smokes a lot of pot