Born To Be Sold
Transvision Vamp Lyrics

From Elvis Presley to Marilyn
Referencing the public figures, each distinct from the other, that have been used and marketed to sell the public different commodities, making them all essentially salesmen with their own unique products.

Cassius Clay to Billy the Kid
Listing different public figures, each with varying styles, beliefs, and impact on society, yet all being used and marketed to sell the public different commodities.

Everyone played a different role
Each public figure that has been sold and marketed to the public played a distinct role in society, which was then used to sell a certain product or idea to the masses.

Baby they were born to be sold
The public figures listed were essentially created, groomed, and positioned to be sold and marketed to the public, with their distinct roles and personas being used to tap into different demographics and sell different products.

Now all I know is all I see
The artist mentions that they now operate under the premise of 'seeing is believing,' indicating that they only trust and rely on what they can actually see for themselves.

And what I am I choose to be
The singer asserts that they have made their own choices in life to become who they are and are not influenced by external sources.

I don't need no one to bleed for me
The singer is stating that they do not need anyone else to fight their battles for them and do not rely on emotional support or validation from others.

I'm gonna make my own history
The artist is indicating that they will create their own legacy and impact on society, rather than relying on any pre-existing made for them by others.

Here comes the news
A shift in focus, indicating that the song is transitioning from talking about the public figures born to be sold to the media that disseminates news to the masses.

All you hot shot big buck
Making a reference to the people who control media and marketing, the individuals who have built their wealth and influence around the same market that has sold public figures.

Sweet talking side walking foot tapping tail wagging back stabbing money grabbing slaves of gold
The singer is referencing the different archetypes who work in media and marketing industries, each with a distinct role, such as sweet talkers, schemers, and manipulators, but all working towards the same goal of making money through these channels.

I'm telling you I don't need to be told
The artist is indicating that they do not need to be influenced or deceived by the media themselves, as they can already see through the tactics being used and make their own informed decisions.

I cross my heart rock my soul
The singer is making a solemn oath, claiming that they are unwavering in their beliefs and soulful nature.

Baby I was born to be sold
The singer is claiming that even they themselves, as an individual, were born to be 'sold' at some point in their life, whether by marketers, media, or other external influences.

From Valentino to Fonteyne
Referencing more public figures, who all played a role in being sold and marketed to the public in their distinct ways.

Al Capone to John Wayne
Listing off more public figures who were marketed and sold to the masses, with their different styles and roles in society being tapped into for different products.

I was born to be sold
Repeating the assertion that everyone, including the artist themselves, was at some point subject to being marketed and sold to the masses in a certain way.