Bottom Feeders
Business of Dreams Lyrics

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Couldn't cut it
In the short con
Now you're going
For the long one
Credibility
Is not invincibility
On the matchstick stage

It's a creepy scene
You know what I mean
Bottom feeders

Shedding skin
For the cool one
Mold your soul
For ambition's sake

Mediocrity is your philosophy
In a low stakes age

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Business of Dreams's song "Bottom Feeders" seem to delve into the theme of ambition and striving for success in a cutthroat world. The opening lines suggest a sense of failure and inadequacy, with the singer acknowledging that they couldn't succeed in the "short con" – a quick scheme or plan. Instead, they now aim for the "long one," indicating a shift towards more sustainable and strategic efforts towards success. The mention of credibility not equating to invincibility suggests that having a good reputation or track record does not guarantee protection from challenges or failures, especially in the competitive world symbolized by the "matchstick stage."

The chorus of the song highlights the darker side of this pursuit of success, painting a picture of a "creepy scene" inhabited by "bottom feeders." Bottom feeders often refer to those who engage in unethical or opportunistic behavior, preying on others for personal gain. This imagery adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative, suggesting that the quest for success can sometimes lead individuals down a less honorable path, driven by desperation or ruthlessness.

The subsequent verses delve into the idea of transformation and compromise in the pursuit of ambition. The mention of shedding skin and molding one's soul alludes to the metamorphosis required to chase one's dreams, often at the cost of personal values or authenticity. The line about mediocrity being a philosophy in a "low stakes age" highlights a sense of disillusionment or resignation, where individuals settle for complacency rather than reaching for excellence in a world that may not reward merit or effort.

Overall, the lyrics of "Bottom Feeders" offer a poignant reflection on the challenges and compromises inherent in the pursuit of success. The song captures the tension between ambition and integrity, highlighting how the competitive nature of society can sometimes push individuals towards ethically questionable choices. Through evocative imagery and introspective storytelling, the song invites listeners to contemplate the costs of ambition and the moral dilemmas that may arise in the quest for personal and professional fulfillment.

Line by Line Meaning

Couldn't cut it
Unable to succeed or achieve the desired results

In the short con
In a small or petty deception

Now you're going
Now you are attempting

For the long one
For a bigger scam or deceit

Credibility
Trustworthiness or believability

Is not invincibility
Does not make one indestructible

On the matchstick stage
In a precarious or unstable situation

It's a creepy scene
A disturbing or unsettling situation

You know what I mean
You understand the implication

Bottom feeders
Those who take advantage of others for personal gain

Shedding skin
Changing or adapting to new circumstances