The song "Young Genocides" by John Cougar (also known as John Mellencamp) portrays the struggles and challenges faced by a generation of young individuals who feel lost and overlooked. The lyrics suggest that these young people may be dealing with the burden of their parents' expectations and societal pressure. The term "genocides" in the song's title represents the emotional turmoil and potential self-destruction these young individuals experience. The line "Destiny shares the eyes of the young genocides" implies that these young people can see their future, which seems bleak and uncertain. The song mentions how their success has been disguised, meaning that despite appearing successful on the surface, these young individuals feel empty or unfulfilled. They wear a "razor's blank stare," indicating a sense of numbness or detachment from their own lives. They feel trapped and believe their destiny is going nowhere. The lyrics hint at the idea that their parents play a significant role in determining their destinies. Walking hand in hand with their broken pride, it suggests that they are influenced or controlled by their families' expectations and judgments. This compounds their struggles and makes it harder for them to break free from the expectations imposed upon them. The reference to the "whole world to decide" suggests that these young people are searching for their own identities and attempting to navigate a world full of choices. The mention of "desperately searching and dangerously" implies the urgency and potential risks they face while trying to find their true selves. The line "Facing the world with your back to the wall" symbolizes the daunting challenges and hurdles they encounter in their journey. They may feel overlooked or insignificant, struggling to find their place and meaning in the world. The phrase "The Grand Illusion that'll never come, disguised itself as tomorrow" suggests that these young individuals are disillusioned by the idea of a better future. The illusion of a brighter tomorrow never materializes for them, leaving them feeling lost and unfulfilled. Overall, "Young Genocides" depicts the struggles and emotional battles faced by a generation of young people who grapple with their identity, societal pressures, and unfulfilled expectations. It reflects on the pain and hardship they endure while trying to find purpose and meaning in a world that may seem indifferent to their struggles.
