The Contenders
The Kinks Lyrics

In The Kinks's song "The Contenders," the singer is voicing his desire to break free from society's expectations and forge his own path in life. He tells his mother not to cry as he sets out to explore the world beyond the confines of his current situation. The singer expresses his dissatisfaction with a conventional career, rejecting the idea of being a constructor of highways or sweeper of sidewalks. He wants to do things his way, which he believes is the only way he can achieve true freedom. He acknowledges that he may not be suited to certain professions, such as a mathematician or politician, but he is determined to make his own decisions and succeed on his terms.

The song is ultimately a celebration of individuality and a rejection of conformity. The singer asserts that he doesn't want to be like anyone else, whether that's a fascist dictator or a saint. He simply wants to be a winner - someone who has achieved success on their own terms. The lyrics suggest that this isn't an easy path to follow, but it's one that's worth pursuing nonetheless. It's a message that resonates with many people who feel stifled by societal expectations and want to make their own way in the world.