Joe Achtzener (bass), Matt Matis (vocals/guitar), Josh Pearson (drums) and David Saylor (guitar/vocals) combine catchy lyrics, melodic vocals, killer guitar solos, mind blowing bass licks and monster drumming to create what has been deemed “the up-and-coming sound of what has come to be expected in the clubs of Arlington and Fairfax counties” (Burke Connection, November 2006). Having played the metro area consistently for the past two years, Fistful of Fifties have become regulars at such venues as Laughing Lizard Lounge and TT Reynold’s while also gaining recognition as Fire Station 8’s Band of the Month for October 2006 and Cue-la-palooza 2005’s Battle of the Bands winner. Fistful of Fifties have been featured in the Washington Post’s Fairfax Extra and gained local notoriety through air play on Locals Only Radio and a recent spot on DC101’s Local Lix (Clear Channel Broadcasting).
In the summer of 2006, Fistful of Fifties released their first self-titled EP, recorded at Nothing But Noise Studios. Not a band to let their influences put a strong hold on their music, Fistful of Fifties are continuously writing new songs ranging from the occasional softer ballad to hard rock, allowing enough diversity for their on stage antics to reach every type of fan.
Affluenza
Fistful of Fifties Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
in a world so unforgiving As your magazine drowns you in your room
You've got your money It leaves you hungry
as your craving still for something
Cuz there's nothing your esteem just can't abuse
Now when affluenza's got you down
there's no place you can turn
All we need's to find a way
To change the world, to change your mind
It may take some sacrifice
Cuz you can't live like your father is
There's so much more to life
That’s ok...
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
Good intentions leave you happy
as you hide from all that can't be
As the world distorts the mirror in your mind
You lay there crying as your trying
to keep all of this behind you
Now your bed sheets spawn a haven from your life
Now when affluenza's got you down
there's no place you can turn
It’s not alright It’s not ok
All we need's to find a way
To change the world, to change your mind
It may take some sacrifice
Cuz you can't live like your father is
There's so much more to life
That’s ok...
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
Cuz even if you had it all
and even if you let it go
Cuz even if you could
It’s not alright It’s not ok
All we need's to find a way
To change the world, to change your mind
It may take some sacrifice
Cuz you can't live like your father is
There's so much more to life than this
They're taking everything away
Possessions feed their hate
It’s ok...
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
The song "Affluenza" by Fistful of Fifties is about the negative impacts of materialism and societal pressure to accumulate wealth and possessions. The lyrics express the feeling of being trapped in a world that is unforgiving and constantly bombarding one with messages about the next thing to buy. The line "you've got your money, it leaves you hungry" illustrates the paradoxical nature of wealth, and how it can never truly satisfy one's craving for something more. The lyrics go on to describe the concept of 'affluenza', a term used to describe the psychological effects of consumerism and materialism.
The chorus talks about the damaging effects of 'affluenza' and how it can make one feel there is no escape. The song suggests that in order to change the world and our own minds, it may take some sacrifice and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The line "cuz you can't live like your father is" encourages listeners to create their own path instead of following the patterns of their parents or society. The song concludes by acknowledging that possessions and material wealth only feed hate and negativity, and that there is so much more to life than the endless pursuit of money and possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
You're getting the feeling that you’re living
in a world so unforgiving
As your magazine drowns you in your room
You feel like the world is unforgiving and your magazines are only adding to your isolation and suffocation
You've got your money
It leaves you hungry
as your craving still for something
Cuz there's nothing your esteem just can't abuse
Despite having money, you still feel unfulfilled and constantly crave something more, and it seems like no matter what you have, it never satisfies you
Now when affluenza's got you down
there's no place you can turn
It’s not alright It’s not ok
All we need's to find a way
To change the world, to change your mind
It may take some sacrifice
Cuz you can't live like your father is
There's so much more to life
That’s ok...
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
When you're overwhelmed by affluenza (the constant need to acquire more wealth or possessions to feel happy), it can feel like there's no escape. But we need to find a way to break this cycle and change our perspective, even if it means making sacrifices and living differently than our parents. There's more to life than just material possessions, and others feel the same way.
Good intentions leave you happy
as you hide from all that can't be
As the world distorts the mirror in your mind
You lay there crying as your trying
to keep all of this behind you
Now your bed sheets spawn a haven from your life
You try to maintain a positive outlook and hide from the harsh realities of the world, but it still affects your mental health. The world distorts your perception of yourself, and you cry as you try to suppress these feelings. Your bed becomes a safe haven from the chaos of life.
Cuz even if you had it all
and even if you let it go
Cuz even if you could
Even if you had everything you ever wanted, and even if you let it all go, it wouldn't solve the problem of feeling unfulfilled and constantly craving more.
It’s not alright It’s not ok
All we need's to find a way
To change the world, to change your mind
It may take some sacrifice
Cuz you can't live like your father is
There's so much more to life than this
They're taking everything away
Possessions feed their hate
It’s ok...
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same
The current state of the world where people are obsessed with possessions and wealth is not okay, and we need to find a way to change it. This change may involve sacrifices, but it's worth it to live a life beyond materialism. Society feeds off our need for possessions and this leads to hatred and greed. It's okay to feel this way, and we're not alone in our desire for change.
Contributed by Noah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.