"Prosperica" by Eleventyseven is a satirical song that criticizes the materialistic and consumerist culture prevalent in middle-class America. The lyrics discuss several themes and notions in a sarcastic manner. The song begins with the lines "Blessed be the ones who got it right, For theirs is the monopoly, On the only afterparty, That's worth goin' to." Here, the band mocks those who believe they have achieved success and have exclusive access to a desirable lifestyle. The lyrics then talk about the idea of enlightenment or seeing the "light," where the privileged few charge admission to others who are not a part of their social circle, referring to it as something "critical." It questions whether the protagonist is maturing or wasting their life, possibly missing the true meaning or purpose of life. The chorus of the song provides a cynical twist on the concept of love and God's actions. It suggests that if God truly loved middle-class America, he would send a "gun" (a metaphor for the aggressive war on drugs) to protect and control society. The lyrics imply that those who conform to the party line or societal expectations will eventually witness the consequences but only after they and everyone else are dead. This emphasizes the irony and futility of such actions. The song also mentions the pressures faced by children growing up in an environment of artificiality and conformity. The line "Peace be with the man who never quits, Until he's havin' his first heart attack, From an unexpected market crash at 42" satirizes the pursuit of success and wealth at the cost of one's well-being. Overall, "Prosperica" criticizes the superficiality, materialism, and conformity present in middle-class America. The lyrics highlight the flaws and contradictions in societal values and consumerist culture, urging listeners to question the meaning and purpose of their lives.
