Zero Orchestra
Matthew Good Lyrics

The lyrics to Matthew Good's song Zero Orchestra are rife with metaphors and symbolism, presenting a dystopian view of society's obsession with material wealth and status. The first two lines of the song set the tone, suggesting that regardless of the material wealth we accumulate in life, we will all ultimately suffer in Hell. The line "Bank dollars could turn our lead to gold" is a reference to alchemy, the ancient practice of attempting to turn base metals into gold, suggesting that the accumulation of wealth is a kind of futile pursuit.

The rest of the song seems to be addressed to someone who is a blue-collar worker, likely struggling to make ends meet. The idea of "treading lightly" suggests that this person is aware of their own precarious position in society, where they are expected to follow orders and not make waves. However, they also have an inner desire to rebel and "dance" to their own tune, as suggested by the line "gonna do what you're told."

The song then takes a turn into darker territory, with references to stolen houses and river floods. These lines speak to the unpredictability of life and the fragility of human existence in the face of natural disasters and societal upheaval. The "palaces" that flood refer to the mansions and grand homes of the wealthy, contrasting sharply with the blue-collar worker's own humble abode. In the midst of this chaos, the singer turns to their loved one for comfort, declaring "you're the only one I love" and seeking some sense of stability in a world gone mad.

Overall, Zero Orchestra offers a sobering commentary on the pitfalls of capitalism and the emptiness of material wealth, while also acknowledging the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.