First To Die

Haymaker's song "First To Die" is a poignant commentary on the struggles and sacrifices of the working class. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a society where the working man is perpetually at a disadvantage, always the first to suffer and the last to understand the reasons behind their plight. The song opens with a sense of urgency, highlighting the precariousness of living on the edge of time and the societal pressure to accumulate wealth, as poverty is criminalized. This sets the stage for the recurring theme that the working man is always the first to die, a stark metaphor for the exploitation and neglect faced by laborers.

The song critiques the education system, which indoctrinates children to accept their fate without questioning it. The line "We gotta work until we're old enough to die" underscores the grim reality that many workers face: a lifetime of labor with little to no respite. Despite gaining knowledge, the working class remains in the dark about the true reasons behind their suffering, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and exploitation. The repetition of the phrase "The first to die has always been the working man" serves as a powerful reminder of this ongoing injustice.

Haymaker also addresses the dehumanizing nature of labor, where workers are valued only for their productivity. The imagery of building houses for unhandy businessmen and being discarded once they are "all used up" highlights the disposability of the working class in the eyes of those who benefit from their labor. The chorus, with its repetition of being the first to fight and die, emphasizes the recurring nature of this exploitation throughout history. The song is a rallying cry for recognition and change, urging listeners to acknowledge the sacrifices of the working class and to seek justice for their unending struggles.