The New Kid
Old 97's Lyrics


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The new kid, he's got money
The money I deserve
He's got the goods
But he's no good for his word

I should be rollin' in it
I've been a workin' stiff
As for the justice,
No one knows where it went

I'm gonna toil away
Until my Judgment Day
I will be rewarded
For the good things I've done
Believe me, every year
There is another one here
Don't you see I used to be the new kid?

I am sorry to say you'll get carried away
You will be replaced, you will be replaced
I'll tell you again, don't get too settled in
You will be replaced, you will be replaced

The new kid, he's got my girl
The girl I used to have
He's got the looks
You know, got them from his dad

I should be kissing that girl
We should be so in love
There is no justice
There's just dark stars above

I'm gonna toil away
Until my Judgment Day
I will be rewarded
For the good things I've done
Believe me, every year
There is another one here
Don't you see I used to be the new kid?

Believe me, every year
There is another one here
Don't you see I used to be the new kid?

I am sorry to say you'll get carried away
You will be replaced, you will be replaced
I'll tell you again, don't get too settled in
You will be replaced, you will be replaced
By the new kid
By the new kid




By the new kid
By the new kid

Overall Meaning

In "The New Kid," Old 97's singer Rhett Miller expresses feelings of envy and frustration over someone who has more money and appears to have everything that he believes he deserves. He is resentful of the "new kid" who has taken his girl and seemingly has everything that Rhett lacks. However, Rhett ultimately asserts that he will continue to work hard and be rewarded for his efforts, despite feeling overshadowed by others. He warns the new kid that eventually, he too will be replaced, as everyone is replaceable.


The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has felt overlooked or undervalued in their life. Rhett highlights feelings of envy, jealousy, and bitterness that can arise when someone feels they are not getting what they deserve. The song also speaks to the idea that success is often fleeting and can be easily taken away by someone "newer and better."


Line by Line Meaning

The new kid, he's got money
The arrival of a powerful new force that can inspire envy and resentment.


The money I deserve
The singer believes he should be the one reaping the rewards of his hard work.


He's got the goods
The newcomer possesses desirable traits and resources.


But he's no good for his word
The artist finds fault with the newcomer's lack of integrity.


I should be rollin' in it
The artist feels that he should be enjoying more success and wealth than he currently is.


I've been a workin' stiff
The singer has been diligent in his efforts to succeed.


As for the justice, No one knows where it went
The singer feels that success is arbitrary and hard to come by, with no guarantees regardless of one's efforts.


I'm gonna toil away Until my Judgment Day
The artist will continue to work hard, potentially until he dies.


I will be rewarded For the good things I've done
The artist still believes that hard work and good deeds will eventually pay off.


Believe me, every year There is another one here
Year after year, new challengers and rivals emerge.


Don't you see I used to be the new kid?
The singer once experienced the same challenges and struggles as the newcomer, but now he's the one being replaced.


I am sorry to say you'll get carried away You will be replaced, you will be replaced
The artist warns the newcomer that eventually someone else will come along to take his place.


I'll tell you again, don't get too settled in You will be replaced, you will be replaced
The singer emphasizes the ephemeral nature of success and accomplishment.


The new kid, he's got my girl The girl I used to have
The newcomer has gained something that the singer once possessed (potentially love).


He's got the looks You know, got them from his dad
The singer is envious of the newcomer's appearance and attributes them to circumstances beyond his control (i.e., good genes).


I should be kissing that girl We should be so in love
The artist feels that he should still be in a relationship with the person the newcomer has won over.


There is no justice There's just dark stars above
The artist is expressing doubt and frustration with the randomness and apparent unfairness of life.


By the new kid
The newcomer represents a powerful force in the singer's life.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

JonjoCynic

Well, once again my love of horror has guided me to great music. Thanks Slither.

Todd Richardson

A great song from a great band! I've been listening to these guys for 16 years.. Much better than anything you'll hear on the radio!

M

I really like this song. Whenever I watch the movie Slither I love listening to it. It deserves more recognition.

futoma21

What an amazing song!

Scott C

awesome song that hits home. even tho I am 51 years old. been a favorite for years now.

Angel Alvarez

My favorite song from these guys! I love these guys! My childhood band!

SúileDearg

this band is awesome

Ieatedurhamster

I love this song ever since I was a kid this had been my favorite bad

matthieu blondin

Awesome song! I really loved Slither! Anyone listened to them when they were more country ish?

Ruby W

GREAT Song.. GREAT Band!!!

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