THE ANTHEM
Good Charlotte/Good Charlotte/Good Charlotte Lyrics

Yeah
An affirmative response to something, possibly an introduction to the song

Here, we go
Indicates that something is about to happen, possibly the start of the song

It's a new day
A new opportunity to make a change in life

But it all feels old
Despite the new day, things feel stagnant and unchanging

It's a good life
Life is generally positive and full of opportunities

That's what I'm told
The singer is aware that others say life is good despite their own feelings

But every day, it all just feels the same
The singer feels tired of the same routine and wants change

At my high school
The artist is referring to their experiences in high school

It felt more to me
The artist has a different perspective from others about their high school experience

Like a jail cell
The artist felt trapped and confined in high school

A penitentiary
High school felt like a place of punishment and confinement for the singer

My time spent there it only made me see
Going through high school helped the artist realize they don't want to be like others who just follow the norm

That I don't ever wanna be like you
The singer doesn't want to live their life following the same path as others

I don't wanna do the things you do
The singer doesn't want to conform to societal expectations and norms

I'm never gonna hear the words you say
The singer doesn't want to listen to the advice and expectations of others.

And I don't ever wanna
The artist has a strong desire to rebel against societal expectations

You, don't wanna be just like you
The artist doesn't want to be like others who follow the norm

What I'm sayin' is, this is the anthem
The singer wants to start a movement against societal expectations

Throw all your hands up
A call to action, a symbol of rebellion

Go to college
A common expectation placed upon young adults

Or university
A higher level of education and societal expectation

Get a real job
Society places emphasis on getting a job to support oneself

That's what they said to me
The singer has doubts about the traditional path others are encouraging them to take

But I could never, live the way they want
The artist is determined to pave their own path in life

I'm gonna get by
The singer plans to survive without conforming to society's expectations

And just do my time
The singer may not be living the traditional life, but they still plan on living their life to the fullest

Out of step while
The singer is not following the same path as others in life

They all get in line
Others are conforming to expectations and norms, but the artist is not

I'm just a minor threat so pay no mind
The artist is aware that their actions may seem minor or meaningless compared to others, but still believes in their cause

Do you really wanna to be like them?
The singer is questioning why others would want to conform to societal expectations

Do you really wanna be another trend?
The singer is questioning if living up to societal norms is truly fulfilling and worth it in the end

Do you wanna be part of that crowd?
The artist is questioning if conforming to societal expectations is really the best way to live life

Shake it once that's fine
A metaphorical statement referring to staying true to oneself and not engaging in anything that doesn't align with one's values

Shake it twice that's okay
It's okay to make mistakes or slip up, as long as it's a minor setback

Shake it three times
Continued repetitive mistakes or actions that don't align with one's values

Your playin' with your self again
The artist is warning against engaging in actions that don't align with one's values and desires

Y'all got to feel me
The singer wants others to understand and empathize with their perspective

Sing if you're with me
The singer is calling upon others to join their movement against societal expectations and norms

Another loser anthem
A phrase used to describe the song as rebellious against societal norms

(Woah)
An exclamation or sound effect that doesn't contribute to the meaning of the song