After the breakup, Matthew Good continued to release music as a solo artist.
The Workers Sing A Song Of Mass Production
Matthew Good Band Lyrics
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The night it had come early
She always used to say
Life's a dirty business
So why not do it while
The world's in bed
The world's in bed
The world's in bed
And there's a fake
Part of me that comes off
So you can read
I was made
By the Taiwanese in Taiwan
But they don't like that much cause it's called Formosa
He snuck into the city
The dawn it had come early
She always used to say
Life's a dirty business
So just be a prick and do it while
The world's awake
The world's awake
And there's a fake
Part of me that comes off
So you can read
I was made
By the Taiwanese in Taiwan
But they don't like that
Like that, like that, like that,
Like that, like that, like that, like that
Well, they don't like that much cause it's called Formosa
The lyrics of Matthew Good Band's song "The Workers Sing A Song Of Mass Production" offer a commentary on the relentless 24/7 cycle of life in fast-paced urban settings. The singer sneaks into the city, taking advantage of the dark and quiet, to engage in some dirty business which is left unnamed. The suggestion is that this activity is not legitimate, and the nighttime offers some cover from the disapproving eyes of society. This is contrasted with the notion that one should just "be a prick" and engage in this activity while the world is awake, like every other worker drone.
The chorus repeats the line "the world's in bed" emphasizing the idea that there is a certain time when the world is not watching, and that is when the singer is able to carry out their plans. The lyrics also briefly touch on identity and the idea of authenticity. The singer wears a fake part that can be removed so that you can read where they were made: "by the Taiwanese in Taiwan," but the singer notes that this isn't necessarily appreciated, as it's called Formosa. This might refer to the contested status of Taiwan, which is officially a separate state from China but is not recognized as such by all countries or by China itself.
Line by Line Meaning
He snuck into the city
He entered the city surreptitiously
The night it had come early
It was still early in the evening
She always used to say
She had a commonly repeated phrase
Life's a dirty business
Life can be unscrupulous
So why not do it while
It would be more efficient to do it during this time
The world's in bed
People are asleep and not working
The world's in bed
People are asleep and not working
The world's in bed
People are asleep and not working
The world's in bed
People are asleep and not working
And there's a fake
There exists a counterfeit part
Part of me that comes off
A segment of me that can be removed
So you can read
It provides information
I was made
I was produced by someone
By the Taiwanese in Taiwan
The creator was situated in Taiwan
But they don't like that much cause it's called Formosa
The locals in Taiwan prefer the name Formosa
He snuck into the city
He entered the city quietly
The dawn it had come early
It was early in the morning
She always used to say
She had a familiar expression
Life's a dirty business
Life can be unethical
So just be a prick and do it while
Be ruthless and take advantage of this opportunity
The world's awake
People are up and active
The world's awake
People are up and active
And there's a fake
There exists a counterfeit
Part of me that comes off
A detachable aspect of me
So you can read
So you can obtain information
I was made
I was fabricated
By the Taiwanese in Taiwan
The producer was located in Taiwan
But they don't like that
However, locals have an issue with that
Like that, like that, like that,
Multiple times it has been stated
Like that, like that, like that, like that
Repeated once again
Well, they don't like that much cause it's called Formosa
They are unhappy with the name Taiwan and prefer to call it Formosa
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MATTHEW GOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevekohut9888
snuck out of the city
The night it had come early
She always used to say
Life's a dirty business
So why not do it while
The world's in bed, oh
The world's in bed
The world's in bed, oh
The world's in bed
And there's a fake part of me
That comes off so you can read
I was made by the Taiwanese in Taiwan
But they don't like that much
Because it's called
Formosa
He snuck into the city
The dawn it had come early
She always used to say
Life's a dirty business
So just be a prick and do it while
The world's awake, oh
The world's awake
And there's a fake part of me
That comes off so you can read
I was made by the Taiwanese in Taiwan
But they don't like that, like that
Like that, like that
Like that, like that
Like that, like that
They don't like that much
'Cause it's called
Formosa
@TravHamm87
I loved Underdogs, Beautiful midnight, and Audio of being. Matt Good still rocks solo, but these albums are some of the best albums ever written. This, is my fav Matt Good song by far.
@bigcanadiano
Why is this song described as a heart-breaking song. And yes - Audio of Being is far and away the best MGB album produced.
@joelsewlal9480
As a production assembler in an automotive factory where you have to move like lightning I always sing this song to myself for an extra pop in my step :p
@wesleybeeson1818
You are appreciated
@Dr3Lungs
Every once in awhile you hear songs you connect with and don't really know why. This is one of mine.
@mikeb2931
Same. I just wanted to hear this and your comment really resonated to me. Thanks.
@craigthomson6819
"Killer" tune , I've been a Mathew Good fan for years (since the beginning) but I admit , first time I ever heard this one = "Fantastic !"
@snixx79
My favourite Matt Good song! Cant believe i found it posted! Awesome. Great tune, well, anything he does is, but this one tops my list by a hair... Cheers!
@bobbob-uu7us
This whole album was great. I don't understand why it didn't get more play.
@MrNotbadyou
Matthew Good for Prime Minister.