Meaning of "Raised on Promises" by Sam Phillips

The lyrics of "Raised on Promises" explore the idea of being raised on false hopes and empty promises that ultimately lead to a sense of disillusionment and confusion. The imagery of a "building cage" and the idea of studying blame, but having no real understanding or identity, speaks to the feeling of being trapped in a world where progress and logic seem to only lead to madness and shame. The repeated refrain of being "raised on promises" emphasizes the idea of being brought up with expectations and hopes that turn out to be unattainable or meaningless. The references to the ocean being dry and the flood coming from the desert paint a picture of a world where the expected and the reality are often inverted. The song also critiques a society that sells a false version of itself, where the center has shifted, values are lost, and people are left broken and bleeding. Overall, the lyrics suggest a deep sense of disillusionment with the world and a longing for something genuine and true in the face of a world built on illusions and false promises.