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.
When we were young the future was so bright (Woah-oh!) The old neighborhood was so alive (Woah-oh!) And every kid on the whole damn street (Woah-oh!) Was gonna make it big and not be beat Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn (Woah-oh!) The kids are grown up but their lives are worn (Woah-oh!) How can one little street Swallow so many lives
Chances thrown Nothing's free Longing for what used to be Still it's hard Hard to see Fragile lives, shattered dreams
Jamie had a chance, well she really did (Woah-oh! Instead she dropped out and had a couple of kids (Woah-oh!) Mark still lives at home cause he's got no job Just plays guitar and smokes a lot of pot Jay committed suicide (Woah-oh!) Brandon OD'd and died (Woah-oh!)
cruelest dream, reality
Chances thrown Nothing's free Longing for what used to be Still it's hard Hard to see Fragile lives, shattered dreams Chances thrown Nothing's free Longing for what used to be Still it's hard Hard to see Fragile lives, shattered dreams