21st Century (Digital Boy)

Bad Religion's song "21st Century (Digital Boy)" is a sharp critique of modern society, particularly focusing on the disillusionment and superficiality that can come with technological advancement. The lyrics paint a picture of a young person who is overwhelmed by the digital age, possessing many material goods and technological gadgets but lacking essential life skills and deeper understanding. The repeated line, "I don't know how to live but I got a lot of toys," encapsulates this sense of emptiness and confusion in a world dominated by consumerism and digital distractions.

The song also delves into the dysfunctional family dynamics that can arise in such a society. The protagonist's father is described as a "lazy middle-class intellectual," while the mother is "on Valium, so ineffectual." These lines suggest a critique of the middle-class lifestyle, where intellectual pursuits and material comfort do not necessarily lead to a fulfilling or meaningful life. The use of Valium, a medication often associated with anxiety and depression, underscores the emotional and psychological struggles that can be hidden beneath a veneer of suburban normalcy.

Furthermore, the song touches on broader societal issues, such as the loss of innocence and the prevalence of violence, as seen in the lines "Innocents raped with napalm fire." This stark imagery serves to highlight the darker aspects of modern life that are often ignored or glossed over. The song's chorus, with its rhetorical question "Ain't life a mystery?" encapsulates the bewilderment and existential questioning that many people feel in the face of these complex and often contradictory realities. Through its biting lyrics and punk rock energy, "21st Century (Digital Boy)" offers a powerful commentary on the challenges and discontents of contemporary life.