Greed
Shawn McDonald Lyrics
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We are consuming everything
And I must confess that I fall
Oh, isn't this the story of us all?
Falsely advertised
Into believing that we need this stuff in our lives
And everything else is only greed
It's greener on the other side
Oh, why can't we be satisfied
Oh whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
And I've seen some with a little
And they seemed like they were doing just fine to me
And I've seen some with a lot
And they don't seem like they ever want to stop
Falsely advertised
Into believing that we need this stuff in our lives
'Cause what we got is what we need
And everything else is only greed
It's greener on the other side
Oh, why can't we be satisfied
Oh whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
'Cause what we got is what we need
And everything else is only greed
It's greener on the other side
Oh, why can't we be satisfied
Oh whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa
The lyrics to Shawn McDonald's song Greed explore society's obsession with consuming material possessions and the constant desire for more. The opening line "take a look around and tell me what you see" sets the scene for a critical examination of the world. He then highlights how we are constantly consuming everything and confesses to falling into the same pattern. McDonald suggests that this is a story that applies to everyone, as we are all guilty of seeking material possessions to some degree.
The line "falsely advertised into believing that we need this stuff in our lives" refers to how advertisements and marketing push the idea that we need certain things to be happy, when in reality it is all just greed. McDonald believes that what we have should be enough, and anything beyond that is simply a manifestation of our insatiable desire for more. He references the phrase "it's greener on the other side" to highlight how we always think something else will make us happier but in reality, we just need to learn to be satisfied with what we have.
The line "I've seen some with a little and they seemed like they were doing just fine to me" suggests that McDonald has personally witnessed people without material possessions who are content with their lives. Conversely, he has also seen people who have an abundance of material possessions and still feel as though they want more.
Overall, the lyrics to "Greed" are a critique of materialism and an argument for finding contentment in what we already have rather than constantly searching for more.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, take a look around and tell me what you see
Notice your surroundings and observe the rampant consumerism.
We are consuming everything
We are using up all available resources.
And I must confess that I fall
Even I am not immune to the temptation of material possessions.
Oh, isn't this the story of us all?
This is the common plight of humanity.
Falsely advertised
Deceived by marketing tactics.
Into believing that we need this stuff in our lives
Tricked into thinking material possessions are necessary for happiness.
'Cause what we got is what we need
We already possess all that is truly necessary.
And everything else is only greed
The desire for anything beyond our needs is simply greed.
It's greener on the other side
The illusion that others have it better than us.
Oh, why can't we be satisfied
Why can't we be content with our current possessions?
And I've seen some with a little
I have observed those with less material possessions.
And they seemed like they were doing just fine to me
They appeared to be content and happy with what they had.
And I've seen some with a lot
I have also witnessed those with great wealth.
And they don't seem like they ever want to stop
They are never satisfied and always want more.
Oh whoa, whoa, whoa
Exclamation of frustration and despair.
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Exclamation of frustration and despair.
'Cause what we got is what we need
We already possess all that is truly necessary.
And everything else is only greed
The desire for anything beyond our needs is simply greed.
It's greener on the other side
The illusion that others have it better than us.
Oh, why can't we be satisfied
Why can't we be content with our current possessions?
Oh whoa, whoa, whoa
Exclamation of frustration and despair.
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Exclamation of frustration and despair.
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Exclamation of frustration and despair.
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Exclamation of frustration and despair.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oliveyule
He is so talented. I heard him play last night, just pure and soulful.
@rhendrikson32
Shawn is the man! He's only better when its just him and the guitar. Chill song.
@peppergirl81
Richie Hendrikson Yes he is amazing with that acoustic chill sound love it.
@julianamartinssilva8863
esse cara manda muito bem! I LOVE SHAWN!!!!
@atitudeideal
muito bom! very good!
@living2liveagain1
Why can't we be satisfied? Wow...think about it?
@living2liveagain1
Where? Do you know his schedule or if he is coming to North Carolina in the near future?
@absr2
@julio555ful ate concordo... As musiks dele dao uma boa primeira impressão, mas se eu coloco o cd inteiro eu enjoo antes de chegar ao final MAs msmo assim a musik eh mto boa!