The song "How I Learned to Hate Rock ‘n’ Roll" by the Pet Shop Boys explores the disillusionment and disenchantment that can come from the music industry and the constant pressure to conform to a certain image or sound. The lyrics describe someone who is tired of the superficiality and shallowness of the music industry, where people preach ugly manners and exclude others for not fitting a certain mold. The repetition of the chorus "This is how I learned to hate rock 'n' roll" emphasizes the frustration and bitterness that the speaker feels towards the industry. The song suggests that the speaker has lost their passion and enthusiasm for music due to the broken promises and conformity that they have experienced. The song can be interpreted as a critique of the commercialization and homogenization of rock 'n' roll, where authenticity and originality are sacrificed for popularity and success. It conveys a sense of disillusionment and alienation that many artists and music lovers may feel in a industry that prioritizes profit over artistry. In the United States, this song's message may resonate with those who have experienced the pressures of the music industry or who have felt let down by the compromises and sacrifices required to succeed in the industry. It serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself and to not let external expectations dictate one's creativity and passion.
