Meaning of "Character" by Iggy Pop

In these lyrics, Iggy Pop reflects on the authenticity and passion of junkies compared to the modern generation. While he acknowledges their flaws, such as driving him crazy and making mistakes, he highlights the character they had when they played the guitar with raw emotion and intention. In contrast, he criticizes the current generation of white bread boys who may be knowledgeable but lack the authenticity and depth that the junkies possessed. By lamenting the loss of genuine emotion and passion in modern music, Iggy Pop is pointing out the importance of authenticity and raw expression in art, even if it comes from a troubled or unconventional source.