THE ANTHEM
KIDZ BOP Kids Lyrics

It's a new day
A new opportunity to change one's life.

But it all feels old
Despite new opportunities, life can feel monotonous and repetitive.

It's a good life
Society claims life is good.

That's what I'm told
But sometimes, people are told things that may not be true.

But every day, it all just feels the same
Life can still feel dull and unfulfilling despite what others say.

And my high school
The institution where young people spend much of their formative years.

It felt more to me
The singer had a distinct impression of high school.

Like a jail cell
They felt trapped in their high school environment.

A penitentiary
The artist felt that they were being punished for something by being in high school.

My time spent there it only made me see
Their experiences led them to a realization about their surroundings.

That I don't ever wanna be like you
The singer does not want to be like those who made them feel trapped.

I don't wanna do the things you do
They do not want to follow the same path as others.

I'm never gonna hear the words you say
The singer is rejecting the advice and guidance provided by others who may not have their best interests in mind.

And I don't ever wanna
The singer is continuing their statement of rejection.

I don't ever wanna be you
They do not want to be like the perceived oppressors of their high school experience.

Don't wanna be just like you
The artist does not want to conform to society's expectations.

What I'm sayin' is
The artist is clarifying their point.

This is the anthem
The song is meant to rally support around the singer's message.

Throw all your hands up
A call to action for the audience to join in the rebellion against societal norms.

You don't wanna be you
The artist is urging the audience to break away from societal expectations.

Go to college
A common expectation placed on young people.

A university
A place where higher education is provided.

Get a real job
Society deems certain jobs or career paths as more valid or legitimate.

That's what they said to me
These are things the artist was told they should do.

But I could never live the way they want
The singer cannot conform to societal expectations or live the way others want them to.

I'm gonna get by
The singer will find a way to get through life without conforming.

And just do my time
The singer will find fulfillment in their own way, despite not following typical paths of success.

Out of step while
The artist is not following in the same direction as others.

They all get in line
Others are conforming and following societal expectations.

I'm just a minor threat so pay no mind
The singer acknowledges that their rebellion is not significant enough to warrant attention from those trying to control them.

Do you really wanna to be like them?
The singer is challenging the audience to consider if they truly want to conform to societal expectations.

Do you really wanna be another trend?
The artist urges the audience to think about whether they want to be part of a larger societal trend.

Do you wanna be part of that crowd?
The artist is asking the audience if they want to be part of the larger group that conforms to societal expectations.

'Cause I don't ever wanna
The artist is repeatedly asserting their rejection of societal expectations.

Shake it once that's fine
A possible reference to dancing or moving in a certain way.

Shake it twice that's okay
The artist is challenging norms surrounding dancing or moving in a certain way.

Shake it three times
The singer is continuing to challenge societal norms surrounding dancing or moving in a certain way.

Your playin' with your self again
The singer is mocking those who may judge or criticize unconventional behavior.

(You don't wanna be just like you)
Restates the song's main message.

Now you can feel me
The artist hopes that through the song, the audience can connect with their message.

Sing if you're with me
The artist is encouraging the audience to join in solidarity with them.

Another loser anthem
The singer is taking back ownership of the song's message and the societal label placed on them, turning it into a declaration of rebellion.