Meaning of "Everything's Ruined" by Faith No More

The lyrics of "Everything's Ruined" by Faith No More explore the concept of illusions and the consequences of pursuing false dreams. The song opens with a portrayal of a happy and harmonious family whose plans and endeavors are successful beyond their expectations. They see themselves as a perfect combination, like ink and paper or numbers on a calculator, confidently taking on the tasks assigned to them. However, their sense of accomplishment starts to unravel as their son, symbolized by a shiny copper penny, begins to veer off the desired path. Despite their attempts to guide him, he loses interest in their advice and begins to distance himself from them. This loss of connection leads to a loss of friends, represented by the son becoming a "fat nickel," a counterfeit version of his former self. The song then shifts to address the concept of puberty, symbolizing the son's transformation into adulthood. His popularity and success explode exponentially, and he is surrounded by people who are enamored with his achievements and eager to invest in his endeavors. However, the family is unaware of the son's true nature, and they are left devastated when they discover that his success and wealth were built on deceit. Ultimately, everything they had once cherished and believed in is now ruined. The lyrics convey a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing false dreams and the heartbreaking consequences that come with living in a world of illusions.