Wrong Way Kids

Bad Religion's song 'Wrong Way Kids' delves into the lives of youth who are often misunderstood and labeled as misfits. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of these 'wrong way kids' navigating through a seemingly endless sprawl, symbolizing the challenges and confusion they face in a society that doesn't quite understand them. The 'blank sidewalk glittering asphalt' and 'summer days' evoke a sense of nostalgia and lost innocence, highlighting the contrast between their carefree past and their current struggles.

The song questions societal norms and the pressures placed on young people. Lines like 'Did you ever want to take bad advice' and 'Do you remember when the world began to put up its thorny fence' suggest a longing for rebellion and a time when the world seemed less restrictive. The 'thorny fence' metaphorically represents the barriers and judgments imposed by society, which the 'wrong way kids' constantly bump up against. The repeated refrain 'There go the wrong way kids' underscores their persistent defiance and resilience.

Furthermore, the song touches on the generational disconnect, with the lyrics 'The kids today are gone away petitioning the dust / With nobody to look up to because they're looking up to us.' This line reflects the disillusionment of the younger generation, who feel abandoned and without role models. The 'misfit melancholy dregs gone lost in the mall' symbolizes their aimlessness and the superficiality of modern life. Through its poignant lyrics and energetic melody, 'Wrong Way Kids' captures the essence of youth rebellion, societal alienation, and the search for identity in a world that often seems indifferent.