Is This The Future?
Fatback Band Lyrics

We can put a man up in space
Although we can achieve great things like sending a man to space, life on Earth is still a constant competition for resources.

But on earth it's just a rat race.
Despite technological advancements, life on Earth is still a challenge and requires hard work and determination to succeed.

Is this the future?
The song is questioning whether this struggle for survival is what we can expect for the future.

We got people workin' 9 to 5
Many people work standard hours everyday to survive and make ends meet.

While over 10 percent are trying to stay alive.
But there are still many people struggling to survive despite their efforts to earn a living.

Crime is up, education is down
Crime rates are increasing and education standards are decreasing.

But the Dow Jones is on the rebound.
However, the stock market is thriving and making profits.

Is this the future?
The song is asking if this is the kind of future we envision for ourselves.

Ronald Reagan says stay the course
The government's response to the current situation is to keep things as they are and maintain the status quo.

But only a fool would wanna endorse
The song implies that blindly following the government's advice in these trying times is foolish.

This kind of future.
The song is referring to the current state of the world as the 'kind of future' we're headed towards.

Everyday as I go my way
The song tells the story of an individual experiencing the harsh reality of the world.

I can hear the people as they say,
Surrounded by people struggling, the singer can hear their desperate voices.

"Hey brother can you spare a dime,
Others ask for help, possibly begging for money to make ends meet.

I don' wanna end up doin' time."
This person risks falling into desperate times and is afraid of the consequences of poverty.

But they say it's just a sign of the future.
People accept that this struggle is what we can expect in the future.

Found a car I thought I'd buy but the interest rates were just too high.
Even the dreams of owning a car are hindered by high interest rates, making it even harder to achieve any level of financial security.

Is this the future?
The song repeats the same question, reiterating the message that the future might be bleak.

Worked years perfecting my craft
The singer worked hard to perfect their skills in their chosen profession.

Now my boss is giving me the shaft.
Despite their efforts, their employer fails to reward them accordingly or give them fair compensation.

Is this the future?
The song is questioning whether this bleak career reality is what we can expect in the future.

Used to eat steaks and caviar
The artist used to enjoy luxury items like expensive steaks and caviar.

Now it's peanut butter in a candy bar.
But now their financial situation is so dire that their diet is reduced to cheap snacks like candy bars and peanut butter.

Is this the future?
The song repeats the question, emphasizing the bleak reality that people's living standards are declining.

All my money is nearly spent
The singer has almost run out of money, showing the desperation of their situation.

Don't have enough to pay the rent
They can no longer afford basic expenses like rent.

You can cancel the future.
The song suggests that the future is something people can reject or change.

Can it be? Are you tellin' me
The song is suggesting the desperation of people's situation is unbelievable.

This is the future?
The song repeats the question again with a sense of disbelief at the bleak reality people are living in.