The lyrics of "Outcome" by Beck describe the unexpected and grim nature of the city, with references to riot cops, cheerleaders, decay, and violence, all culminating in a sense of desolation and abandonment.

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Meaning of "Outcome" by Beck


The lyrics of "Outcome" by Beck paint a bleak picture of urban life and its harsh realities. The repetitive refrain of "Never did I think it would come to this" emphasizes a sense of disillusionment and disappointment with the way things have turned out. The imagery of riot cops, cheerleaders with painted eyebrows, and decaying teeth drinking Coca-Cola in the streets conveys a sense of decay and artificiality in society. The reference to being shot in the leg and left for dead symbolizes a feeling of being wounded and abandoned in a hostile environment. Overall, the lyrics seem to express a deep sense of alienation, violence, and decay in the modern world, highlighting the harsh outcomes that can result from living in a complex and often dystopian society.