The World Would Run Better

Kongos' song 'The World Would Run Better' is a satirical exploration of human arrogance and the often absurd belief that we can control and improve the world to suit our personal preferences. The lyrics are filled with whimsical and exaggerated suggestions, such as moving Argentina closer to one's house or making the ocean's waves behave. These ideas highlight the ridiculousness of thinking that the world should conform to individual desires, rather than accepting its natural state.

The song opens with a conversation over coffee, a setting that symbolizes casual and often superficial discussions about grand ideas. The mention of coffee making 'even a heavy thing seem light' suggests that these conversations, while seemingly profound, are ultimately trivial. The lyrics then delve into a list of commands the speaker wishes to impose on the world, reflecting a sense of entitlement and a lack of understanding of the complexities of nature and geography.

The chorus, with its repetitive assertion that 'the world would run better if it was run our way,' serves as a critique of the human tendency to oversimplify and overestimate our ability to manage the world. The song's humor lies in its hyperbolic statements, which underscore the folly of believing that a few individuals can solve global issues over a drink. By presenting these outlandish ideas, Kongos invites listeners to reflect on their own assumptions and the often misguided belief that we can easily fix the world's problems.

The song also touches on the theme of uniqueness and the illusion of being special. The line 'we’re almost unique, we’re one in a billion' is a playful jab at the human desire to feel exceptional, even when our ideas are not particularly original or practical. This adds another layer to the song's critique, emphasizing the need for humility and a more realistic understanding of our place in the world.