Meaning of "Whatever Happened to Corey Haim?" by The Thrills

The lyrics of "Whatever Happened to Corey Haim?" by The Thrills delve into the themes of disillusionment, fame, and the corrupting influence of city life. The narrator begins by questioning if anyone believes them and acknowledges their propensity for lying. They feel a sense of emptiness and yearning for something pure that has vanished.

The narrator then reveals their motivations for coming to the city, with the intention of building a mountain of envy and marrying into the powerful Kennedy family. These ambitions, though driven by envy and a desire for status, ultimately prove to be hollow and empty. The narrator portrays themselves as a character who is caught up in the allure of fame and materialism.

The chorus, "So let's stay out tonight, I just can't stop it," reflects the narrator's inability to resist the seductive pull of the city and its enticing but ultimately unfulfilling lifestyle. They recognize their own flawed nature, admitting that they won't be the first or last to betray others. The repeated mention of "something once pure" refers to the loss of innocence and the corruption that comes with the pursuit of fame and success.

The lyrics also make references to prominent figures in popular culture, such as Paramount Pictures and Andy Warhol. By aligning themselves with these icons, the narrator attempts to elevate their own status and find meaning in their pursuit of fame. However, the mention of "has-beens" suggests the fleeting nature of success and the transient nature of fame.

Ultimately, the mention of Corey Haim, a former child actor who struggled with addiction and died at a young age, serves as a symbol of lost innocence and the destructive consequences of fame. The repetitive nature of the chorus and the exclamation of "Haim, Haim, Haim" at the end of the song reinforces the sense of longing and nostalgia for a time when things were simpler and purer.

In summary, "Whatever Happened to Corey Haim?" reflects the narrator's disillusionment with fame and the corrupting influence of the city. The lyrics explore themes of lost innocence, the allure of materialism, and the cyclical nature of betrayal. The mention of Corey Haim serves as a poignant symbol for the destructive consequences of fame and the longing for a simpler, more authentic existence.