Good People
El Torpedo & Matt Mays Lyrics

The lyrics of El Torpedo & Matt Mays's song “Good People” depict a journey of self-discovery and realization, which is taking place at the edge of the desert where the sand meets the sea. The singer is out on a trip, a search for something that seemingly dawned on him overnight which can be inferred from the opening line “Through the night 'til the morning, it all came to me.” The search isn’t just aimless wandering, but the destination is somewhere along the pier where fishermen reel their catch and pelicans perch. The singer’s journey represents the existential search for meaning and purpose that many people seek throughout their lives. The pier is a metaphorical place where everyone is trying to catch something in their own lives. Meanwhile, the coaster rides, and the Ferris wheels symbolize the ups and downs and highs and lows of existence.

However, the search is not just personal but is also linked to the collective - stated explicitly in the chorus, “The good people…From the east to the west, can’t you feel it in the air? They’re gonna save you so you better, you better save them.” The song stresses the idea that everyone’s individual journey of introspection, awareness, and realization is interconnected and can save others. Essentially, the song conveys the message that the good people refer to those who are self-aware, conscious, and living life with a purpose. The message contained within the lyrics carries a profound and thought-provoking message, by suggesting that people must seek to better themselves in order to help one other person or that goal.