Harley Poe：Meaning of Class Of '97 Songmeaning

The song "Class of '97" by Harley Poe tells the story of a group of individuals who graduated from high school in 1997 and explores what happened to them in the subsequent years. The lyrics mention various characters and their occupations, painting a picture of how their lives turned out. The first verse introduces Tommy, Nancy, Harvey, Margaret, Jerry, Charlotte, and Paul. Each person is described by their profession, such as selling used cars, fixing hair, running a grocery store, not caring, driving a truck, being on the make (trying to find a romantic partner), selling life insurance and real estate. These characters represent different paths and ambitions that graduating students would have had. The second verse introduces Helen, Frank, Janet, Bob, Jack, and Peggy. They are described by their occupations, including being a hostess, working at a mill, teaching grade school, working for the city, conducting lab research, and playing the organ at a church. Again, these characters signify various careers and life choices. The chorus reflects on the dreams the class of '97 had when they graduated. They believed they could change the world through their great works and deeds. However, as time passed, they realized that life became more complex and their dreams didn't necessarily align with reality. The chorus suggests a sense of disappointment or realization that life didn't turn out as expected. The third verse introduces Betty, Jan, Randy, Mary, Charlie, Joe, Charlotte again (possibly a different person), and Freddie. They are described by their occupations or personal circumstances, such as running a trailer park, selling Tupperware, being in an insane ward, being on welfare, taking a job with Ford, taking someone else's wife, being in a relationship with a millionaire, and taking one's own life. These characters represent the struggles and hardships that some individuals may face in life. The final verse mentions John, Ray, and Marvis. John is described as being involved in the cattle industry, Ray as being in debt, and Marvis as having an uncertain fate. Linda married Sonny, Brenda married the narrator, and the verse ends by emphasizing that the class of '97 is now just a part of history. Overall, the song Class of '97 reflects on the dreams and aspirations that people have in their youth and how reality often diverges from those expectations as they grow older. It highlights the complexities and challenges of adult life and the fact that things don't always turn out as planned.