The song "Bleachers" by Eleventyseven explores themes of societal disillusionment, the impact of technology and media, and the struggles of the younger generation. The lyrics depict a group of pop punk kids who feel trapped in a system, represented by the metaphorical "grid." These kids idolize the icons and idols of the 90s, but those idols have been revealed to have committed crimes ("filling prisons") and have let them down. The references to "sins of the Rents" and "they already know" imply that the older generation, represented by the teachers, are aware of the flaws and disappointments in the world but choose to overlook them. The lyrics also touch upon the pressure and anxiety faced by the younger generation, waiting for acceptance letters and seeking validation in a high-definition, digital world. The song criticizes the superficiality and manipulation present in popular culture, described as "pseudo-scientific pop culture trickery" and "Walt Disney-fications." The lyrics suggest that these illusions of love and happiness are fading away, and the truth is starting to reveal itself. Overall, the song expresses a sense of frustration and longing for something more genuine and meaningful. It conveys the struggles faced by the younger generation, their disillusionment with the system, and the desire for authenticity in an increasingly artificial world.
