Man In the World
Sunrise Lyrics

The lyrics of "Rockin' in the Free World" by Sunrise depict various aspects of society and the struggles faced by different individuals. The opening lines mention the colors on the street, specifically highlighting red, white, and blue, symbolizing the United States. The reference to people shuffling their feet and sleeping in their shoes conveys a sense of weariness and exhaustion among the masses.

However, the lyrics also suggest a warning sign on the road ahead, indicating societal issues and a pessimistic outlook. Many people believe that society would be better off dead, portraying a bleak perspective. The singer acknowledges their own alienation from these opinions, expressing that they may not feel like a "Satan" figure but are seen as such by those who hold this viewpoint. Despite this, they try to forget and cope with the negativity in any way they can.

The next stanza introduces a woman with a baby in her hands, standing under an old street light and near a garbage can. This imagery represents poverty and the hardships faced by marginalized individuals. The woman puts the child away to go and get a hit, emphasizing her struggle with addiction and dissatisfaction with her life. The lyrics imply that the child will never have the opportunity to receive an education or experience typical joys of life, reinforcing the cycle of poverty and despair.

The final stanza mentions "a thousand points of light," a reference to a phrase popularized by former US President George H.W. Bush to describe volunteerism and community service. However, the lyrics juxtapose this notion with the image of a kinder, gentler machine gun hand, suggesting that even while trying to help, society still possesses destructive elements. The lyrics also touch upon consumerism and environmental concerns, mentioning department stores, toilet paper, styrofoam boxes, and the ozone layer.

Despite these issues, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note with a call to keep on "rockin' in the free world." It implies that despite the challenges and injustices present, there is still a spirit of resilience and a desire to persevere.