Pessimistic Lines

Song details

Bad Religion original
Yes
First released
1988
First release
Suffer (album)
Songwriter
Greg Graffin

Lyrics

Pessimistic Lines

So here we are again to experience the bitter, scalding end And we're the only ones who can perceive it. But others sing of beauty and the story that's unfolded As one that deserves praise and ritual. My pessimistic lines, your superstitious lives, And the modern age's lies won't absolve you. And the professorial truth, and the dear clairvoyant youth, And of course the nightly news will deceive you. (Watch out!) My pessimistic lines, your superstitious lives, And the modern age's lies won't absolve you. And the professorial truth, and the dear clairvoyant youth, And of course the nightly news will deceive you. (Let's go!)

Versions & recordings

Grouped by recording

5

Song statistics

Archive coverage at a glance

68release versions
#69

69th most featured song

117documented shows
#70

70th most played song

Live through the years

Open to load live-trend data.

Song Interpretations

What do you think this song is about? Share your interpretation and explain your reasoning.

3

SayYourPrayersJul 26, 2011
This song is probably about how at any given moment, there are countless voices trying to convince us that nothing is wrong.
legacy memberJun 5, 2006 · edited Date unknown
It's about how people are blind to the truth. They just believe what the professionals tell and lie to them about because it'll make them happy so let themselves be decieved because they don't wan't to believe the 'pessimistic lines,' in other words a belief in something bad or bleak.
legacy memberMar 20, 2006 · edited Date unknown
The world is going to waste and people are spending all of their time praising ancient mythology (as if it is going to solve everything). Everyone is closed off to logical thinking and the 'professorial truth' is at stake. Relgion is destroying all of us.