# Lyrics [Intro – steady acoustic strum, upright bass pulsing, muted snare on the backbeat] [Verse 1] When I was a kid, all the neighbors were friendly, Mom baked a pie, Dad watched the news on the telly. I’d ride my bike past the drugstore sign, The world was mine, the world was fine. yeah the world was fine.. But then they said, “Son, it’s time you got serious, Don’t be so curious, better be industrious.” They gave me a tie and a manual to read, “Grow up fast, meet the standard, succeed.” Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. [Chorus 1 – rhythm heavier, voice deep and steady] But at night, when the TV’s on mute, I ask questions that don’t compute. If the rules are right, why’s it all so wrong? Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned? If the rules are right, why’s it all so wrong? why is it all so wrong ? Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. [Verse 2 – groove steady, guitar twang fills between lines] They told me, “Be careful, don’t sound too political, Scare the folks, they’ll call you cynical.” o so cynical They hand me a badge, a survey, a form, “Just fit in, boy, don’t break the norm.” [introspective] Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. [musical verse] And I smile for the camera, stand where I’m told, But the truth in my pocket is heavy and cold. [Chorus 2 – band stronger, harmony hums faintly] But at night, when the world’s asleep, I’ve got questions buried deep. If the rules are right, why’s it all so wrong? Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned? If the rules are right, why’s it all so wrong? Please, somebody tell me who I am. [Bridge – instruments drop to bass and snare, vocal half-spoken, ironic] I was feeling so rational, Till they stamped me “International.” we are just data on a government sheet, That’s progress, ain’t it neat? [introspective] Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. [sarcastic] "uh huh. yeah" [Final Chorus – full band, strum heavy, snare sharp, voice biting] But at night, when the curtains are drawn, The questions keep marching on. If the rules are right, why’s it all so wrong? I’m a cog, I’m a brand, I’m a plan. Won’t you please, please tell me what it means? If the rules are right, If the rules are right, If the rules are right, why’s it all so wrong? Please, somebody tell me who I am. [Outro – acoustic guitar alone, voice dry, mantra-like] If the rules are right… Why’s it all so wrong? Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. Respectable, dependable, Sellable, forgettable. why’s it all so wrong?
