In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I've been programmed to behave like an average
American Girl.
I've been programmed to behave like a generational victim.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave;
And I learned it all from Small Wonder.
Repeat after me,
While you are getting sleepy.
You will obey
The guidelines of your age.
When you are 20, you will act 20
When you are 40, well, Good-Bye.
I've been programmed to behave. I've been programmed
To behave. I've been programmed to behave...
Do you read me?
Are your circuits free?
We designed your mood
To fit your demographic group.
If you are 20, you must be lazy.
If you are 40- money-mine.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave.
No, I will not listen to you.
You clutter and clatter, so I just cover and clamor,
"I-I-I'm anything."
No, I will not listen to you.
You clutter and clatter, so I just cover and clamor,
"I-I-I'm anything."
Testing 1-2-3.
Clear the line for me.
Don't go out your door;
It's a barometric war.
When it is 20, it's the Antartic.
When it is 40 there's worse to come.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave.
(Chorus)
I've been programmed to behave like an average
American Girl.
I've been programmed to behave like a generation victim.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave.
American Girl.
I've been programmed to behave like a generational victim.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave;
And I learned it all from Small Wonder.
Repeat after me,
While you are getting sleepy.
You will obey
The guidelines of your age.
When you are 20, you will act 20
When you are 40, well, Good-Bye.
I've been programmed to behave. I've been programmed
To behave. I've been programmed to behave...
Do you read me?
Are your circuits free?
We designed your mood
To fit your demographic group.
If you are 20, you must be lazy.
If you are 40- money-mine.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave.
No, I will not listen to you.
You clutter and clatter, so I just cover and clamor,
"I-I-I'm anything."
No, I will not listen to you.
You clutter and clatter, so I just cover and clamor,
"I-I-I'm anything."
Testing 1-2-3.
Clear the line for me.
Don't go out your door;
It's a barometric war.
When it is 20, it's the Antartic.
When it is 40 there's worse to come.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave.
(Chorus)
I've been programmed to behave like an average
American Girl.
I've been programmed to behave like a generation victim.
I've been programmed to behave.
I've been programmed to behave.
Lyrics submitted by Concertina
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this song is about being soooo regular that it HURTS :) being a brainwashed follower and NOT a powerfull leader...it's the way pathetic MTV cr_p program ppl of our generation to act. How many ppl Listen to talentfull independent artists like KY and how many to Britneys??
SAD but TRUE!