Song Meaning
The narrator calls out a friend for a glaring hypocrisy: espousing progressive ideals while keeping company with "pricks." It's a direct challenge, cutting through polite conversation to the core issue. The immediate emotional tone is one of exasperated honesty, a desire to shake the friend into seeing their own contradiction.
The central tension lies between the friend's stated values and their actual social circle. The lyrics suggest this disconnect isn't just an observation but a problem that needs fixing. The narrator believes the friend's environment actively undermines their supposed principles, creating a situation that is, at best, unproductive and, at worst, damaging.
The most striking aspect is the insistent repetition of the solution: "Let's try to share space with folks working / On themselves consistently." This isn't just advice; it's presented as a necessary, almost therapeutic, action. The phrase "working on themselves" implies a commitment to growth and self-improvement, directly contrasting with the "pricks" the friend currently associates with.
This directness and the clear, actionable advice make the lyrics hit hard. The narrator isn't just criticizing; they're offering a path forward, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions and environment with their stated beliefs. The repeated call for better company feels like a plea for genuine progress, both for the friend and perhaps for the narrator's own peace of mind.