The Kids Are Not Fine

Marieme's song 'The Kids Are Not Fine' is a poignant commentary on the state of the younger generation in a world that seems to have abandoned them. The lyrics paint a dystopian picture where humanity has lost its way, symbolized by the 'last ship to Mars' leaving people behind to fend for themselves. This metaphor suggests a future where the privileged escape, leaving the rest to suffer the consequences of societal neglect and environmental degradation. The repeated line 'We’re no longer seen as human' underscores a loss of humanity and compassion, highlighting a world where freedom and basic human rights are no longer guaranteed.

The song delves into themes of betrayal and disillusionment, as seen in the lines 'We turned our backs to our mother / We lost our trust in our father.' This could be interpreted as a metaphor for how society has turned its back on the Earth (our mother) and lost faith in leadership or authority figures (our father). The finger-pointing stanza, 'Point a finger at you / Point a finger back too,' emphasizes the shared responsibility and collective blindness to the harm we inflict on each other and the planet. The repetition of 'sealed lips, sink ships' suggests that silence and inaction are contributing to the downfall.

The chorus, 'Got no money / End of line / The kids they’re not fine,' starkly portrays the economic struggles and hopelessness faced by the younger generation. The repetition of this line throughout the song serves to hammer home the dire situation. Marieme's powerful delivery and the haunting melody amplify the sense of urgency and despair. The song is a call to action, urging listeners to recognize the plight of the youth and the need for change before it's too late.