Interpretation
The song lyrics "Child of Vision" by
Supertramp are about criticizing a superficial and meaningless way of life. In the song, the person being sung about is described as someone who pretends to have fun but actually goes nowhere and wastes their time. The line "You're busy going nowhere" expresses this idea.
It is also mentioned that the person tried to be a hero and commit the perfect crime but ultimately got blinded by money and is running out of time. The line "But the dollar got you dancing and you're running out of time" illustrates this.
The lyrics also criticize the negative influence of modern society on individuals. It is pointed out that the person pollutes the water, gets drunk with alcohol, and poisons their body and mind. The lines "You're messin' up the water, you're rolling in the wine, you're poisoning your body, you're poisoning your mind" illustrate this criticism.
It is also addressed how the person is influenced by consumer society. They are fed Coca-Cola and manipulated by television. The lines "You gave me coca-cola, you said it tasted good, you watch the television, it tell you that you should" illustrate this.
The lyrics also express frustration about not being able to communicate with such people. The singer notes that they don't hear anything new from them and they can't make them listen. The lines "I've heard it all before, you're saying nothing new, you cannot make me listen, I cannot make you hear" convey this frustration.
The lyrics end by pointing out that there must be more to life and it's time to do something right. The lines "There must be more to this life, it's time we did something right, child of vision, won't you listen? Find yourself a new ambition" express this desire for change and a more meaningful life.
Overall, the song lyrics "Child of Vision" by Supertramp criticize a superficial and meaningless way of life, the influence of consumer society, and the desire for change and a more fulfilling life.