Shattered
The Dropkick Murphies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's the matter with the human race
Everybody's fighting for more power and money
Braveheart's a racist
The paperboy's a junkie
And what's with the role models for all our boys and girls
Anorexic skinny monsters who seem to rule the world
They've been replaced by steroid fed Neanderthals
(Replaced by Neanderthals)
Shattered, shattered, when people aren't always what they seem
It turns out the lyrics that you live by are a fraud
When your favorite band's singer got arrested
With a tranny on the job
Meanwhile little Danny down the block's all alone
He's been abused by the Parish priest
He'd embarrassed and ashamed
Thinks he disgraced the family name
He's gonna buy a gun and settle the score
Then who you're gonna call
the local cop stalking girls down the mall
Or the world's greatest crooks from the FBI
(The crooks from the FBI)
Shattered, shattered, when people aren't always what they seem
Shattered, shattered, when the ones that we rely on break their word
Shattered, shattered, when people aren't always what they seem
Shattered, shattered, when the ones that we rely on break their word
Dad's never home, he says he's working over time
Meanwhile Mommy's head's in the sand she thinks everything is fine
She says "Now Dad's important kids, so stay out of his way"
But little did she know that the governor was gay
(She didn't know that the governor was gay)
Shattered, shattered, when people aren't always what they seem
Shattered, shattered, when the ones that we rely on break their word
Shattered! Shattered! Whoa!
Shattered! Shattered! Whoa!
Shattered! Shattered!
When the ones that we rely on break their word!
The Dropkick Murphys' song "Shattered" delves into the dark side of society and questions the integrity of people we look up to for guidance. The song starts by highlighting the issues of the modern world, including greed for power and money, racism, drug addiction, and false idols. The lead singer acknowledges that things are not always what they seem, and the lyrics that one lives by are often fraudulent. We see this in the second verse when fans of a particular band are disappointed by the arrest of their favorite singer for engaging in sexual acts with a transgender person. The song further focuses on how broken families and a lack of responsibility can corrupt the youth, leading them to take law into their own hands, as seen in the case of little Danny, who was abused by a priest and wants to seek revenge.
The central theme of this song is the realization that society is not what we think it is, and the people we consider role models and authority figures can let us down. The message of the song is that we must stay alert and not let ourselves get fooled into believing everything we see or hear. The song's melody is upbeat and energetic, presenting a hopeful and positive message despite the dark imagery used in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Something's gone wrong with the world today
The world seems to be in chaos and disorder.
What's the matter with the human race
Humanity seems to be flawed and losing its way.
Everybody's fighting for more power and money
People are too consumed with greed and materialism.
Braveheart's a racist
Even heroes and legends can have negative qualities.
The paperboy's a junkie
People in positions of trust can have serious issues.
And what's with the role models for all our boys and girls
Society lacks good role models for children.
Anorexic skinny monsters who seem to rule the world
Society's expectations of beauty are unhealthy and unrealistic.
The ball players you loved as a kid are gone
Childhood nostalgia can be shattered when finding out negative truths about former idols.
They've been replaced by steroid fed Neanderthals
Even sports heroes can have questionable behavior or use performance enhancing drugs.
Shattered, shattered, when people aren't always what they seem
Heartbreak and disappointment come when people reveal their true nature.
It turns out the lyrics that you live by are a fraud
Beliefs and values can be shattered when finding out someone doesn't practice what they preach.
When your favorite band's singer got arrested
Losing respect or disappointment when a beloved musician is arrested.
With a tranny on the job
Revelation that someone has had sexual relations with a transgender person.
Meanwhile little Danny down the block's all alone
Children can be neglected or suffer abuse in silence.
He's been abused by the Parish priest
Tragedy can happen when people in trusted positions abuse their power.
He'd embarrassed and ashamed / Thinks he disgraced the family name / He's gonna buy a gun and settle the score
Victims of abuse can feel shame and contemplate violent revenge.
Then who you're gonna call / the local cop stalking girls down the mall / Or the world's greatest crooks from the FBI
In a broken and corrupt society, it is unclear who to turn to for help.
Dad's never home, he says he's working over time
Parents can neglect their families in pursuit of their careers.
Meanwhile Mommy's head's in the sand she thinks everything is fine
Parents can be in denial about problems in the family.
She says "Now Dad's important kids, so stay out of his way"
Parents can prioritize a parent's career over the well-being of their children.
But little did she know that the governor was gay
People in power can have hidden personal lives that contradict their public persona.
Shattered! Shattered! Whoa!
Intense emotions of heartbreak and loss.
When the ones that we rely on break their word!
A loss of trust in those we depend on can be devastating.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FELICIA BARTON, RYAN OCHSNER, STEPHANIE LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind