Meaning of "Charity, Chastity, Prudence And Hope" by Hüsker Dü

The lyrics of "Charity, Chastity, Prudence And Hope" by Hüsker Dü seem to reflect a cycle of struggle and hardship. The woman giving her child a name and becoming a ward of welfare suggests a sense of responsibility and a difficult situation. Meeting a man digging through trash for cans could symbolize finding companionship in shared struggles or seeking out connections in hardship. The focus on material possessions like aluminum and money turning into worthless junk highlights the fleeting nature of wealth and the struggle to break out of poverty. The repetition of "Charity, Chastity, Prudence, and Hope" throughout the song could represent the virtues one needs to navigate through life's difficulties, but also hint at the cycle of poverty and lack of progress despite efforts. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of individuals trapped in a cycle of poverty and hardship, struggling to break free but ultimately finding themselves back where they started.