The lyrics explore the narrator's struggle with conforming to societal expectations and norms. They question why they can't seem to follow the usual path of getting a degree, settling down, or accepting common beliefs. The narrator expresses a desire to think for themselves, resist oppressive systems, and confront their own feelings of inferiority and insecurity.

Meaning of "What Exactly's The Matter With Me" by Barry McGuire

The song "What Exactly's The Matter With Me" delves deep into the internal conflict of the narrator who feels a sense of alienation from societal norms and expectations. The lyrics reflect a struggle to conform to the standards set by society in terms of education, relationships, activism, and even social interactions. The narrator questions their own inability to fit in with the expectations around them, expressing a desire to think independently and challenge accepted truths. The ongoing theme of inferiority and insecurity reveals a deeper struggle with self-acceptance and the need to assert individuality in a world that often stifles uniqueness. The lyrics convey a sense of internal turmoil and the constant battle between conformity and self-awareness, highlighting the universal struggle to find one's place in a society that demands uniformity.