Lyric discussion by TomatoBomb 

Cover art for They Broke Him Down lyrics by Streetlight Manifesto

I think, to simplify, this song is about the "big bad cooperation" or even more specifically the record company chipping away at this man until he either gave in (sold out) and became a millionaire, or told them to fuck off (quit) and got all of his possessions and money taken away. And of course my favorite line "but the one thing that I'm sure of, I am sure of, is that he found some comfort there" So he either sold out and said at least I became successful, or "I may be begging for money but at least I didn't sell out my principles." Even if I'm completely off base, fantastic song, fantastic album, fantastic band.

My Interpretation

corporation**