Is This The Future
Fatback Band Lyrics

We can put a man up in space
We have the technological capability to take humans to space

But on earth it's just a rat race
Despite our advances in technology, life on earth is still a struggle for most people

Is this the future
Are these conditions a reflection of what the future holds?

We got people workin' 9 to 5
Many people work standard hours during the day

While over 10 percent are trying to stay alive
However, a significant portion of the population struggles to make ends meet

Crime is up, education is down
Crime rates have increased while education standards have decreased

But the Dow Jones is on the rebound
Despite these issues, the stock market is improving

Is this the future?
Are these conditions indicative of what we can expect in the future?

Ronald Reagan says stay the course
The political leader is advocating for a continuation of current policies

But only a fool would wanna endorse
The singer is skeptical of this approach

This kind of future
The singer is referring to the current state of things and questioning whether it's the kind of future we really want

Everyday as I go my way
The singer is describing their daily routine

I can hear the people as they say
The singer overhears people expressing their concerns

"Hey brother can you spare a dime
People are asking for help, often in the form of money

I don′ wanna end up doin' time."
They don't want to go to jail for petty crimes, but they're struggling to survive

But they say it's just a sign of the future
People believe that these struggles are indicative of the future to come

Found a car I thought I′d buy
The singer found a car they wanted to purchase

But the interest rates were just too high
Unfortunately, the cost of the car was too high due to high interest rates

Worked years perfecting my craft
The singer has spent many years honing their skills

Now my boss is giving me the shaft
Despite this effort, the singer's employer is treating them unfairly

Is this the future?
Again, the singer is questioning whether this is truly what we can expect from the future

Used to eat steaks and caviar
The singer used to enjoy luxurious foods

Now it′s peanut butter in a candy bar
However, they find themselves unable to afford such foods anymore

All my money is nearly spent
The singer's funds are running low

Don't have enough to pay the rent
They're struggling to pay for basic living expenses

You can cancel the future
The singer is suggesting that this kind of future is not worth having

Can it be? Are you tellin' me
The singer is expressing disbelief

This is the future?
They're questioning whether this is what the future holds

They say that's what it is, what it is
Others believe that this is the reality of the future

Is this a sign of the future?
The singer is again questioning whether these conditions are what we can expect in the future

They say that's what it is, what it is
Others believe that this is indeed the future we're headed towards