Helpless
The Bottle Rockets Lyrics

The Bottle Rockets's song Helpless explores the contrast between the technological advancements of our day and age and the simplicity of the singer's life. The lyrics describe how the singer still uses pen and paper to balance their checkbook, instead of relying on a calculator. They still use a mailbox instead of a fax machine and wait to make phone calls until they get out of their car. They even read newspapers instead of getting their news online. However, despite these simple habits and lack of dependence on technology, the singer does not feel helpless. Despite this, the lyrics acknowledge the omnipresent nature of technology and how much it has contributed to our present-day lives.

The song perhaps touches on the idea that while technology has made our lives easier, there is still value in simplicity and doing things the old fashioned way. It suggests that we don't necessarily need the latest gadgets or cutting edge technologies to be happy or successful, as long as we stay true to ourselves and our values. It also makes a statement about how society views technology and its role in our lives.

Overall, the song encourages listeners to not get too caught up in the latest trends and to stay true to their values and what they know works for them.