The song explores a new culture formed by the normalization of previous countercultures.
The hook "Raised on Biggie and Nirvana" references the diverse musical upbringing of children of the 90s, where hip-hop and grunge—genres once at odds—merged into a shared pop culture experience. Halsey New Americana
Halsey stated the video touches on police brutality and the power of organized youth to effect change. Summary Table Halsey - New Americana in the Live Lounge The song explores a new culture formed by
The pre-chorus "Survival of the richest" subverts Darwinian theory to critique modern materialism and the inevitable crash of a wealth-based society. The "Click-Bait" Controversy Summary Table Halsey - New Americana in the
Halsey plays a resistance leader captured by authorities and sentenced to burn at the stake, only to be rescued by a youth collective.
The singer eventually dubbed it her "worst song," expressing frustration with being pigeonholed as the "voice of a generation" based on a track she meant to be self-aware parody. Visual Narrative: The "Hunger Games" Style The Official Music Video portrays a dystopian revolution.