Meaning of "A Self-Made Man" by David Byrne

The lyrics of "A Self-Made Man" delve into the complex nature of identity and self-perception in a society that places immense value on superficial qualities and appearance. The references to exchanging chromosomes and bargaining for a better future might be interpreted as the societal pressure and desire to alter oneself in pursuit of societal standards of success and beauty. The mention of a black market for designer genes alludes to the idea of the commodification of genetic traits and the lengths individuals may go to in order to fit in or stand out in a world that places value on external qualities. The repeated assertion of being a self-made man speaks to the idea of self-reliance and the internal struggle individuals face in maintaining a sense of self in a world that is constantly trying to mold them into something else. The reference to the freaks waiting down the hallway and the clown laughing in the face could symbolize the harsh judgment and ridicule individuals face when they do not conform to societal norms or expectations. Overall, the lyrics of "A Self-Made Man" seem to be a commentary on the pressures, struggles, and complexities of existing and maintaining a sense of self in a world consumed by external appearance and conformity.