Meaning of "Good Die Young" by Divinyls

The lyrics of "Good Die Young" by Divinyls paint a picture of a toxic and corrupt city environment where innocence is lost. The line "City air, toxic taste" suggests that the air itself has become polluted, mirroring the toxic nature of the city. The mention of a girl falling from innocent grace illustrates how easily one can be corrupted or tainted by the environment around them. The line "Where pleasure has its price" implies that in this city, even happiness comes at a cost.

The repeated refrain of "Looking into your eyes, your eyes are open wide" suggests a sense of awakening and awareness. It hints at the idea that individuals in this environment are more alert and perceptive, perhaps due to their exposure to the harsh realities of the city. The line "No ties, no surprise in your eyes, are open wide" may allude to the absence of genuine connections and the lack of surprise in the face of the corruption and deceit that permeate the city.

The chorus brings a contrasting tone, suggesting that happiness can still be found despite the negative environment. The repetition of "Now I'm happy, happy, happy, happy" emphasizes this newfound happiness. The mention of seeing a friend "now and then" implies a sense of loneliness, as genuine connections may be rare or fleeting. The line "Music changes but the dance steps don't" symbolizes the cyclical and repetitive nature of life, despite the changing circumstances.

The song's title, "Good Die Young," hints at the fleeting nature of life and suggests that those who are good or innocent often meet an untimely end. The lyrics suggest that even though the city environment may be toxic, there are still moments of happiness and connection to be found, even if they are temporary.