Meaning of "Somebody Else's Troubles" by Steve Goodman

The lyrics of "Somebody Else's Troubles" delve into the human tendency to compare our hardships with those of others, often finding solace in the notion that someone else has it worse. Goodman uses vivid imagery, such as the hero in a movie getting a pie in the face, the unjust pain of paying for something we didn't do, and the paradox of a doctor claiming a painful procedure isn't as bad for them as it is for the patient, to illustrate the ways we rationalize our own struggles by focusing on the difficulties faced by others. The undertaker's line about business thriving in the face of death adds a touch of dark humor to the song, driving home the idea that we often find humor or comfort in the misfortune of others. Ultimately, the song serves as a reflection on empathy, perspective, and the complex ways we navigate the hardships of life by comparing our own troubles with those around us.