Meaning of "What's the Matter With Parents Today?" by NOFX

The song "What's the Matter With Parents Today?" by NOFX satirically addresses the generation gap between parents and teenagers. It portrays the confusion and frustration experienced by teenagers when they witness their parents trying to emulate youth culture. The lyrics highlight the disconnect between the older and younger generations, with the teenager expressing disbelief and annoyance at his parents' sudden change in behavior. The exaggerated portrayal of the parents' actions, such as dressing like Motley Crue, dying their hair bright blue, and engaging in public displays of affection, serves as a comedic exaggeration of the generational divide. The teenager's plea for his parents to quit smoking marijuana and hanging out with his friends represents a desire for boundaries and a return to a more traditional parent-child relationship. Ultimately, the song suggests that the parents' behavior may simply be a passing phase, highlighting the transient nature of generational differences.

The lyrics also touch on themes of rebellion and identity formation. The teenager feels that his parents' newfound affinity for youth culture threatens his own sense of individuality. He perceives his parents' actions as an infringement upon the things he likes and understands. The song pokes fun at the idea that parents should not like the same things as their children, creating a humorous portrayal of the difficulties teenagers face when trying to establish their own identities separate from their parents.

Overall, "What's the Matter With Parents Today?" showcases NOFX's signature wit and sarcasm while offering commentary on the complexities of parent-child relationships and the challenges faced by teenagers in navigating generational differences.