Real Estate
K.b. Lyrics

In K.b.'s song "Real Estate," the lyrics begin with a seemingly idyllic image of a property situated near the beach, evoking notions of escape, leisure, and privilege. The line "got a property down by the beach" suggests that the singer possesses a second home or vacation property, which they visit infrequently—"visit twice a year to see the sea." This infrequency implies a disconnect with the locale, as the singer's engagement with this space is limited to sporadic visits, hinting at a form of ownership that is more transactional than rooted. The mention of "price out the kids airbnb" indicates an awareness of the economic pressures exerted on local communities by short-term rentals, implying that the influx of wealthier individuals seeking vacation spots can drive up prices and make it increasingly difficult for locals to afford housing. The phrase "gentrify the towns down by the sea" suggests a critical examination of how tourism and economic development can reshape communities, often at the expense of their original culture and residents.

The repetitive assertion, "I don't want to rent your home, I am going to make it my own," serves as a declaration of intention that underscores the singer's desire for possession and autonomy over the space they occupy. This line reveals an individualistic attitude, where the singer views the oceanfront property as a stage for personal enjoyment rather than as part of a communal environment. By rejecting the concept of renting, the singer implies a desire to assert control and permanence in a transient landscape. This yearning for ownership can be interpreted as a reflection of broader societal trends, where real estate has become a symbol of success and a means of investment, often prioritizing individual gain over collective well-being. The insistence on making the home "my own" suggests a deep-rooted desire for a sense of belonging, albeit in a manner that may lead to further marginalization of those who are native to that very place.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift towards the singer's vacationing experience: "have two weeks of luxury" captures the allure of affluence and the temporary escape associated with leisure living. However, this short-lived indulgence is set against a backdrop of "empty villages down by the sea," painting a stark contrast between wealth and the remnants of local culture. This juxtaposition raises questions about the sustainability of these luxury experiences; while they may offer personal enjoyment for the singer, they contribute to a decline in the vibrancy and authenticity of the communities they occupy. The idea of “sailing boats and watch t.v.” encapsulates a lifestyle that is leisurely and leisurely detached from the realities of life in these towns. There is a certain hollowness in the pursuit of leisure when it disregards the local heritage and the intricate weave of community life.

The phrase "kill the culture down by the sea" introduces a powerful critique of how such luxurious engagement often leads to the erosion of local identities and cultural practices. This line suggests that the influx of wealth and the prioritization of tourist-centric amenities can overshadow the existing culture, transforming vibrant locales into commercialized versions of themselves designed to cater to outsiders. The culture that once defined these spaces is diminished in favor of more profitable endeavors, highlighting the often-destructive impact of gentrification on local ecosystems and the identities of their residents. The singer, while reveling in their luxury and the transient enjoyment of their property, unwittingly participates in a system that contributes to cultural displacement, prompting reflections on the responsibilities that accompany ownership and the profound implications of modern real estate practices on community sustainability. Through these lyrics, K.b. compels listeners to consider the broader consequences of individualism in the context of shared spaces and cultural heritage, urging a more conscientious relationship with the places we call our own.