Meaning of "Tomorrow's Money" by My Chemical Romance

"Tomorrow's Money" is a critique of the shallowness and emptiness of popular culture. The song opens with the line "Fell in love with a vampire," which can be interpreted metaphorically to represent becoming infatuated with fame and glamour. The line "You want to get it for free" suggests an entitlement and desire to reap the rewards of fame without putting in the necessary work or effort.

The chorus, "If we crash this time, they got machines to keep us alive," reflects the reliance on technology and artificial means to sustain and prolong our lives. It implies that even if we fail or make mistakes, there are systems in place to prevent us from facing the consequences.

The lines "I stopped bleeding 3 years ago, while you keep screaming for revolution" convey a sense of apathy and disillusionment. It suggests that the speaker has moved on from the idea of rebellion and fighting for change, while others continue to advocate for revolution without meaningful action. This sentiment is further emphasized with the line "Me and my surgeons and my street walking friends, we got no heroes, 'cause our heroes are dead." It signifies the loss of inspirational figures and role models, leaving the speaker and their friends without anyone to look up to.

The song also critiques the idea of selling out and losing authenticity. Lines such as "Say hello to the program, they're gonna give it for free" and "Put on your smile for the good times, you're loaded up with fame" highlight the superficiality of fame and the willingness of individuals to conform and sacrifice their true selves for success. The repeated reference to vampires can be seen as a metaphor for those who drain others of their creativity, talent, and individuality.

The final lines, "Because rebellion's not a t-shirt you sell, you keep your money and I'll see you in hell," challenge the commodification of rebellion. It rejects the notion that rebellion can be reduced to a marketable slogan or fashion statement. The speaker asserts their refusal to conform to the shallow expectations of society.