Meaning of "Fitter Happier" by Easy Star All-Stars

The lyrics of "Fitter Happier" by Easy Star All-Stars reflect the modern pressures and expectations placed on individuals to constantly strive for self-improvement. The song emphasizes the importance of physical health, mental well-being, and social connections in achieving a sense of contentment and fulfillment. The repetition of phrases like "fitter, happier, more productive" and the list of behaviors and attitudes to adopt suggest a rigid and somewhat unrealistic ideal that society often imposes on people. The references to driving safely, maintaining good credit, and participating in mundane activities like carwashes and Sunday markets highlight the monotony and routine that can come with the pursuit of a "better" life. However, the image of a "pig in a cage on antibiotics" in the final line jarringly breaks the illusion of progress and success, hinting at the dangers of conformity and artificial enhancement in the pursuit of happiness. Ultimately, the lyrics serve as a critique of the societal pressures to conform to certain standards of success and happiness, urging listeners to find authenticity and meaning in their lives beyond mere productivity and material wealth.