Showbiz? Science? Who Cares?

Song Meaning

“If you had all the facts, all the fictions,” the lyrics immediately plunge into a philosophical thought experiment. The speaker challenges the listener to consider if absolute knowledge of “science and all about religion” would solidify their beliefs. It's a direct, almost confrontational opening, questioning the very foundation of conviction and decision-making. The lyrics pit the pursuit of definitive answers against the messy reality of human experience. The repeated query, “Would you still make all the right decisions?” suggests that even perfect knowledge might not guarantee moral clarity. This tension is heightened by the idea of accepting “someone else's opinions” or “forgiveness,” implying that personal truth often clashes with external perspectives. Ultimately, the song suggests that whatever helps one cope is the “right thing to do” in this “crazy, mixed-up life.” The chorus introduces the powerful image of “white plastic saints,” a striking contrast to the “hard questions you have to face.” This juxtaposition hints at a critique of superficial faith or easy answers, suggesting that true belief isn't found in mass-produced symbols. Instead, it's “all a leap of faith,” a conscious choice made “every single day” in the face of life's ambiguities. The repetition of “every single day” underscores the constant, personal nature of this struggle. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their candid embrace of uncertainty. The narrator's admission, “I've read all the books and I still don't have all the answers. Well that's fine,” offers a profound sense of relief. It validates the listener's own struggles with complex truths, ultimately suggesting that finding a personal way to cope is a valid, even necessary, form of wisdom.