The Good Life
Born in a Cent Lyrics

welcome to the good life
This is an introduction to the singer's perspective of the American good life and sets the tone of the song.

as i'm pretty sure this is
The singer acknowledges that the life he's living is the so-called good life, but he's not entirely convinced of its true value or sustainability.

from the revolution cubicle
The singer suggests that even though he's part of the working class in America, he's still a revolutionary in his mindset and is trying to change the system from within.

changing it all from within
The artist emphasizes that he's working towards changing the system from within a cubicle or office space, highlighting his determination.

with signs of 'yes we can'
The artist comments on the optimism that was prevalent in America after Obama's election, and how the 'yes we can' message inspired change.

'another world is on her way'
The singer believes that there's a new world or future waiting on the horizon, potentially influenced by Obama's message of hope.

but we've got the same product
The singer confronts the reality that the so-called change is just a facade that doesn't really challenge the existing system, and instead is packaged and marketed for appearance.

packaged in a pretty way
The artist concludes that these overhauls are just cosmetic strategies and challenges their true worth.

i'm not saying i'm not thankful
The artist recognizes the privilege he has in living in America, but is critical of certain aspects of the 'good life' he's been given.

i'll light a candle for us all
The artist will pray for everyone living within the system or struggling with it, irrespective of personal beliefs, highlighting his empathetic nature.

and if I burn my body
The singer is willing to sacrifice his own physical and emotional safety for others or for the potential of change.

at least i did it for the world
The artist justifies his own sacrifice, emphasizing that he's willing to do it for the world and people to come in the future.

who called this beautiful?
The singer questions the true beauty of the American society he's living in, suggesting that it's an illusion or a facade.

welcome to the union
The singer introduces a new section, commenting on the history of America and its origins.

from california to new york
The singer emphasizes that the entire country is a product of colonization and implies that it's flawed from the beginning.

from the stolen land of natives
The artist acknowledges the violent history of America towards Indigenous people and implies that it has never been addressed.

from chopsticks to a fork
The artist references the cultural assimilation that has taken place in America and how it has led to a loss of culture from original communities.

we're laughing at the irony
The singer is critical of how the country's history is somewhat recognized and sometimes even celebrated, despite the atrocities that have taken place.

of taking this country back
The singer suggests that the notion of taking the country back is flawed because it assumes that it belonged to certain people in the first place, ignoring the reality of America's history and all its different communities.

when no government can ever have it
The artist emphasizes that no government can lay claim to the country, as it belongs to a variety of different communities who have their own claims.

cause no government ever has
The artist doubles down on his point, suggesting that no government has ever had sovereignty over the entirety of America due to its diverse communities.

i'm gonna climb up your walls
The artist shifts focus back to the present day, emphasizing that they will not be silenced and will persist in pushing for change.

and i'm gonna tear them down
The singer emphasizes his determination and willingness to disrupt the status quo and push back against the power structures he's up against.

and i'll show you a beauty
The artist suggests that their vision of a new world, one that challenges capitalism and exploitation, will be a true representation of beauty.

that this good life never found
The singer implies that the good life he's living is a false façade, incapable of recognizing true beauty and justice.

do you feel welcome in the good life
The singer shifts focus to the listener, challenging them to consider if they truly feel included in the American society and if it's worth upholding.

i don't feel anything at all
The singer emphasizes their own feeling of disconnect and alienation within the society they're a part of.

we both know that i’m trying
The artist acknowledges that they're trying to fit in or make a change, but the system is set up against them and their efforts are futile.

but to try is not to solve
The artist implies that trying is not enough and that a more direct and powerful solution is needed to push for change.

i'm using what you gave me
The singer references the notion of the American dream and how he's working within that framework to pursue change.

but it's just not enough
The singer suggests that despite the tools or resources given to him, they're not enough to create change or overcome systemic oppression.

and in this florescent lighting
The artist references an office or workspace, emphasizing that the reality of America is stark and compared to a sterile environment.

i'll try anything once
The artist emphasizes his willingness to try new strategies or tactics to achieve change since conventional methods have failed.

i'll fly into the brightness
The artist employs the metaphor of flying to suggest that he's chasing a better future or ideal, regardless of how challenging or dangerous it may be.

but the heat will melt my wings
The singer acknowledges the potential consequences of pursuing such idealistic or revolutionary actions, which may result in harm or failure.

and then i'll build a tower
The artist comments on his resilience to keep pushing, even when he falls or fails, and suggests he will work to build something better.

and we'll see who reaches me
The singer ends on a defiant note, challenging the system and its power structures to try and break him, implying that he won't back down anytime soon.