The band reunited in February 2012, with a new album to be released in 2015.
October
Good Riddance Lyrics
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just the other night
awakened by another dream
i thought back to '80
thinking what would've happened
if everything wasn't how it seemed
fucking with american lives
reduced to pawns in a power play
too long they've suffered
not for america
just for a lead on election day
my october my america
running out of time
my october my america
read between the lines
The lyrics of Good Riddance's song "October" are a commentary on the political climate of America, particularly during the 1980s. The opening lines of the song, "I woke up screaming just the other night awakened by another dream," set the tone for the rest of the song - a sense of frustration and anger at a reality that feels nightmarish. The song then reflects on the 10 years since the 1980s, during which a lie has been allowed to survive, manipulating and reducing Americans to pawns in a power play. The line "not for America, just for a lead on election day" highlights the selfish motives of certain politicians who are willing to sacrifice American lives for their own gain.
The repetition of the phrase "my October my America" throughout the song reinforces the personal connection the songwriter has to the country and the sense of urgency they feel. They are running out of time, and the refrain to "read between the lines" emphasizes the need for critical thinking and awareness of those in power. The song concludes on a somber note, with the words "I'll see you in the graveyard, my October friend," suggesting that the songwriter has lost hope in the ability to effect change and is resigned to the current state of affairs.
Line by Line Meaning
i woke up screaming
I had a nightmare so intense that it caused me to wake up screaming.
just the other night
It happened very recently.
awakened by another dream
My nightmare was so vivid it felt like another reality.
i thought back to '80
I recalled a moment in history, specifically the year 1980.
thinking what would've happened
I wondered how things may have turned out differently.
if everything wasn't how it seemed
If we were not being lied to and manipulated.
ten years the lie survives
The deception has lasted for ten years.
fucking with american lives
Causing harm and distress to the citizens of America.
reduced to pawns in a power play
People are being used as tools to serve the agenda of those in power.
too long they've suffered
The suffering has gone on for far too long.
not for america
Their sacrifice is not benefiting America as a whole.
just for a lead on election day
Their suffering is being used as a political strategy to gain an advantage.
my october my america
The current state of America in this particular moment.
running out of time
We're quickly approaching a critical point in history.
read between the lines
Don't just take things at face value, there's more to the story than what's being presented.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind