Meaning of "Can You Blame Me" by Matt And Kim

The lyrics of "Can You Blame Me" convey a sense of liberation and defiance towards societal expectations. The song celebrates the thrill of living life to the fullest, unapologetically and without regrets. The opening lines mention riding high, possibly suggesting the feeling of euphoria and a metaphorical state of being on top of the world. The mention of the Empire State and rolling the dice adds to the imagery of excitement and unpredictability.

The lyrics go on to describe the act of shooting bottle rockets off a roof and riding bikes through red lights, symbolizing acts of rebellion and disregarding rules. Matt and Kim see themselves as bulletproof, invincible against whatever challenges come their way. This attitude reflects a desire to challenge conventions and embrace the freedom of living outside the norms expected by society.

The chorus repeatedly asks if the narrator can be blamed for merely being alive. This question is rhetorical, implying that the answer is no. The song suggests that the joy of being alive, experiencing life's adventures, and pushing boundaries is something to be celebrated and cherished. The narrator refuses to apologize for embracing this exhilarating and careless approach to life.

The mention of climbing the Manhattan bridge and flipping off the city with a kiss further reinforces Matt and Kim's rebellious attitude. This act represents a defiant gesture against the constraints of their urban environment. Getting kicked out of the bar suggests that their behavior may sometimes cross the line or be deemed unacceptable by others. However, the acknowledgment that they sometimes take things too far implies a self-awareness of their own limits.

In essence, "Can You Blame Me" encourages listeners to live boldly and authentically, even if it means occasionally stepping outside societal boundaries. It celebrates the excitement of embracing life's adventures and rallies against conforming to societal expectations.