The lyrics of "Men of Good Fortune" by Lou Reed talk about the contrasting experiences of men who come from wealthy backgrounds versus those who come from poor beginnings. It suggests that those with wealth and privilege often have the power to cause empires to fall, while those who start with nothing often struggle to make any significant impact. The song goes on to imply that having a wealthy father to fall back on can hinder a person's ability to handle life's challenges and make their own way. It concludes by stating that men of good fortune often wish they could die, while men of poor beginnings desire wealth and will do anything to obtain it, but the narrator remains indifferent to it all.

Meaning of "Men of Good Fortune" by Lou Reed

"Men of Good Fortune" reflects on the role of wealth and privilege in society and explores the concept of self-determination. The song suggests that being born into wealth can be both a blessing and a curse. While individuals who come from affluent backgrounds may have advantages and power to cause significant changes, the lyrics imply that they often lack the personal drive and resilience necessary to achieve anything on their own. They rely on their family's fortune and connections instead of learning to navigate life's challenges independently. On the other hand, the song acknowledges the potential for those who come from poor beginnings to rise against adversity and strive for success. The lyrics describe them as individuals who try their best to handle their circumstances and have the determination to succeed without relying on someone else's wealth or support. The song also criticizes the notion that money is the key to making more money, using the example of the Fords, who started from humble beginnings but became wealthy. The narrator, however, remains removed from these struggles, expressing a sense of apathy and lack of concern towards the pursuit of wealth and fortune.