Song Meaning
These lyrics open with a stark, almost aphoristic observation about human nature and its outcomes. They immediately draw a cynical line between those who "think, and people who don't," noting that the latter often "have most." This sets a disquieting tone, suggesting that conventional wisdom about success is deeply flawed.
The central tension quickly emerges: a world where integrity is a liability. The lines about "people who lie, and others who cry" further cement this idea, concluding that "the people who lie are the ones that get by." This bleak assessment is then contextualized within a "corporate rush to devour the new," implying a cutthroat environment where genuine connection is sacrificed, leaving one with friends who "will number but few."
The craft here is particularly sharp, especially in the opening parallelism. The repeated structure of contrasting types of people, followed by the cynical outcome for one group, creates a sense of inescapable truth. The imagery is potent, from the predatory "devour the new" to the more subtle, parasitic suggestion to "Position yourself on another man's cruise." These phrases paint a vivid picture of exploitation and opportunism.
Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they confront the listener with uncomfortable truths about how the world often operates. They don't offer easy answers, instead culminating in the enigmatic choice: "One to share, the other to choose." This final line leaves the listener to ponder the difficult decisions one must make when faced with a system that seems to reward the morally compromised, forcing a reflection on personal values in a challenging landscape.