Rockin' The Suburbs (over The Hedge Edition)

Ben Folds' song "Rockin' The Suburbs (over The Hedge Edition)" is a satirical take on the mundane and often absurd aspects of suburban life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a typical suburban neighborhood, where the residents are caught in a cycle of routine and consumerism. The opening lines set the tone by describing the irony of watching a popular TV show, "Idol," in a house built on an Indian burial ground, hinting at the superficiality and historical ignorance that can pervade suburban living.

The song continues to highlight the repetitive nature of suburban life, where people drive to work just to earn enough money to drive back to work the next day. This cyclical existence is underscored by the chorus, which emphasizes the uniformity and lack of individuality in the suburbs, where one can't even distinguish their own house from their neighbor's. The mention of better-looking Fescue grass across the cul-de-sac further illustrates the competitive and often trivial concerns of suburban residents.

Folds also touches on the consumer culture that dominates suburban life, with references to real estate, get-rich-quick schemes, and extravagant holiday decorations. The song humorously points out the reliance on modern conveniences, like TV dinners and timer lights, which create an illusion of presence even when no one is home. The inclusion of William Shatner's spoken word segment adds an extra layer of irony and humor, reinforcing the song's critique of suburban life's artificiality and detachment from reality.

Ultimately, "Rockin' The Suburbs" serves as a clever commentary on the emptiness and monotony that can characterize suburban living, wrapped in a catchy and entertaining musical package.