The Kids Are Coming

Tones And I's song "The Kids Are Coming" is a powerful anthem that captures the frustration and determination of the younger generation. The lyrics express a sense of disillusionment with the older generation, who are often seen as dismissive and out of touch with the realities faced by today's youth. The repeated line, "No one wants to listen to the kids these days," highlights the feeling of being unheard and misunderstood. This sentiment is further emphasized by the accusation that the older generation is to blame for the current state of affairs, yet they refuse to take responsibility or make necessary changes.

The song also touches on the theme of activism and the drive for social change. The lines, "We don't just protest for the fun / We're here to get it done," underscore the seriousness and urgency with which the youth approach their activism. They are not merely rebelling for the sake of it; they are genuinely committed to making a difference. The imagery of the kids "gunnin'" and "runnin'" conveys a sense of relentless energy and unstoppable momentum, suggesting that the youth are a force to be reckoned with.

Moreover, the song critiques the trivialization of youth culture by the older generation. The sarcastic listing of items like "Sony Playstations" and "lollipops" serves to mock the way older people often reduce the interests and concerns of young people to mere frivolities. This part of the song underscores the generational disconnect and the failure of the older generation to take the youth seriously. By locking the older generation "in the basement," the song symbolically suggests that the time has come for the youth to take control and lead the way towards a better future.