What a Time to Be Alive
Kaye Lyrics

What a fucking time to be alive
Reflecting on the current state of the world and acknowledging that it's an unprecedented, crazy time to be alive.

What a fucking time to watch the world burn while inside
Feeling like the world is falling apart and everything is going wrong, and being unable to do anything about it except observe.

I’m laughing to the gallows
Despite the bleakness of the situation, finding humor or ironic enjoyment in it, because there's nothing else to do.

Nothing else to do but cry
Feeling so overwhelmed with emotion that the only thing left to do is cry.

Imagining a leader who didn’t hate
Dreaming of a leader who actually cared about people and their well-being, instead of being motivated by personal animosity and power.

Imagining a leader who cared for people over ratings
Fantasizing about a leader who was more interested in doing the right thing and helping people, rather than just trying to appeal to their own supporters and score political points.

Who didn’t kick when folks were down just to put them in their place
Wishing for a leader who wouldn't take pleasure in kicking people when they're already down, or displaying their own power over them.

Tell your poor that they deserve to die
Expressing disgust with a worldview that blames people for their own poverty and suffering, and even suggests that it's their fault if they die because of it.

And if she calls you out, then she’s a bitch for stepping out of line
Criticizing the kind of attitude where people are vilified or insulted just for speaking up or criticizing someone in power.

Cuz you know it’s a sign of weakness to apologize
Commenting on a mentality that sees admitting mistakes or apologizing as a sign of weakness or lack of strength.

Try to punish us cuz someone punished you
Reflecting on how people in power can be petty or vindictive, using their power to retaliate against others who they feel have wronged them personally.

Try to fix the hole inside with money, tanks and troops
Noticing the failures of leaders who believe that throwing resources or military might at a problem will solve it, without addressing the underlying issues or pain that are causing it.

But when you’re on your own deathbed
Looking towards the inevitable end of life, where all the power, money, and achievements a leader may have accrued are meaningless.

In your golden cell on 5th ave
Painting a picture of a wealthy, entitled person who is removed from the daily struggles and pain of ordinary people, and who is isolated from the world in their own privileged bubble.

And your kids don’t care cuz they never did
Acknowledging how someone's own family can be alienated or disinterested in their life or ideas, even as they continue to hold onto their own sense of importance and power.

And your base can’t cheer you out of it
Realizing how loyalty and support can be fleeting, and that even those who once cheered for someone may not be able to rescue them in the end.

With no little people left to hit
Suggesting that someone in power may have exhausted all their targets for ridicule or blame, and has run out of people to scapegoat or bully.

And no tricks left to try
Recognizing that someone who is used to manipulating others or using tricks to maintain power will eventually run out of options and tactics.

Millions will still cry
Despite everything, there will still be people who suffer and struggle, and the legacy of someone in power may be defined by how they treated these people.