In 2011 the band reunited for a series of shows in Europe and the United States. In 2016, the band reunited again and, on July 29, 2016, they released their fourth album, Nothing Is Anywhere.
The band's show at Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, OR, on August 30, 2016, is their most recent live performance.
Helpless
D Generation Lyrics
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But he was racist
Mama grew with Frank Sinatra
Raised two hip-hop kids
[Chorus:]
Na Na Na Na
Helpless
Our parents gave us television
And vanished in their cars
Teachers gave us bad religion
Stomach aches and scars
[Chorus]
I feel so much better
I was lost forever
I feel so much better now
I've been standing in the shadows
Years since you were born
Comic books and dirty looks
And protests on the lawn
I've been stranded on the freeway
And I've seen the Berlin Wall
I've been trying to make connection
But I still don't quite belong
[Chorus]
I feel so much better
I was lost forever
I feel so much better now
I've seen all your drama
Hope you like your karma
Back on wonderama now
Na Na Na Na
Helpless
The lyrics of D Generation's "Helpless" reflect on the frustrations and struggles of growing up in a world where the older generation's expectations and prejudices clash with the reality of a changing society. The song deals with various themes such as racism, music, religion, and the longing for belonging. The opening lines mention the father's love for 50's records but also his racism, possibly indicating the dichotomy between nostalgia for the past and intolerance of the present. On the other hand, the mother grew up with Frank Sinatra, symbolizing a more accepting and open-minded perspective.
The chorus, "Na Na Na Na Helpless," is a cry of anguish, suggesting the helplessness of the younger generation dealing with the legacy of their parents, teachers, and society. The lines, "Our parents gave us television and vanished in their cars, Teachers gave us bad religion, Stomach aches and scars," express how the older generation was passive in their parenting and education, leaving the younger generation to deal with the negative consequences.
The verses touch on the singer's sense of alienation and detachment from the society, with mentions of "comic books and dirty looks" and "protests on the lawn." They also describe the singer's attempt at making a connection but never quite belonging. In the end, the singer expresses relief through the line, "I feel so much better now," indicating that they may have found some peace despite the challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Father collected '50's records
Despite his love for 1950s music, D Generation's father held racist beliefs.
But he was racist
D Generation's father had prejudiced viewpoints.
Mama grew with Frank Sinatra
D Generation's mother enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra's music.
Raised two hip-hop kids
Despite their parents' music preferences, D Generation grew up listening to hip-hop.
Our parents gave us television
D Generation's parents provided their children with a TV.
And vanished in their cars
D Generation's parents were often gone in their cars.
Teachers gave us bad religion
D Generation learned poor religious teachings from their teachers.
Stomach aches and scars
D Generation suffered physical and emotional pain from these teachings.
I feel so much better
D Generation feels relieved from their past struggles.
I was lost forever
D Generation had been struggling with feeling lost and hopeless for a long time.
I've been standing in the shadows
D Generation has been hiding in the background for years.
Years since you were born
It has been several years since D Generation was born.
Comic books and dirty looks
D Generation has been treated poorly by some people and has found solace in reading comic books.
And protests on the lawn
D Generation has participated in protests before, possibly at their own home.
I've been stranded on the freeway
D Generation has been stuck on the freeway for an unknown amount of time.
And I've seen the Berlin Wall
D Generation has seen the Berlin Wall in person.
I've been trying to make connection
D Generation has attempted to connect with others in the past.
But I still don't quite belong
Despite their attempts, D Generation still feels as though they don't fit in.
I feel so much better now
D Generation has found a sense of relief and belonging after struggling for so long.
I've seen all your drama
D Generation has observed the drama and difficulties of others.
Hope you like your karma
D Generation hopes that those who have wronged them will receive their comeuppance.
Back on wonderama now
D Generation has returned to their former sense of wonder and happiness.
Na Na Na Na
Helpless
D Generation feels powerless to change their situation.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSE F. MALIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind