Meaning of "Same Old Story" by The Tiger Lillies

The lyrics of "Same Old Story" paint a bleak picture of the cyclical nature of poverty, exploitation, and desperation. The protagonist is born into a life of hardship, forced to walk a path filled with pain and loneliness, eventually leading to a life of prostitution as a means of survival. The constant struggle to escape poverty is highlighted, only to fall prey to the transient allure of money, which ultimately brings more sorrow than solace. The repetition of the phrase "It's the same old story, it's been going for years" emphasizes the idea that this cycle of poverty, exploitation, and heartache is a recurring theme in society that continues without end. The lyrics serve as a poignant commentary on the harsh realities faced by those trapped in such a cycle, where temporary relief brings only fleeting happiness before plunging back into an endless cycle of despair.