Karma by AJR Lyrics Meaning – Deciphering the Quest for Cosmic Justice in an Unequal World
Lyrics
I’ve been so good, why am I feeling empty?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year
I’ve been so good, but it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good, where the hell is the karma?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year
Why, are you asking me why?
My days and nights are filled with disappointment
Fine, oh no, everything’s fine
I’m not sure why I booked today’s appointment
I’ve been so good, I’ve been helpful and friendly
I’ve been so good, why am I feeling empty?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year
I’ve been so good, but it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good, where the hell is the karma?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year
What, am I normal or not?
Am I crazier than other patients?
Right, I’ve done everything right
So where’s the karma doc, I’ve lost my patience
‘Cause I’ve been so good, I’ve been working my ass off
I’ve been so good, still, I’m lonely and stressed out
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year
And I’ve been so good, but it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good, where the hell is the karma?
I’ve been so good, I’ve been so good this year
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
I’ve been so good this year
I’ve been so good this year
Time, I know we’re out of time
But what if sad thoughts come and I can’t stop it
Bye, I don’t wanna say bye
If only I could keep you in my pocket
To give me some diagnosis of why I’m so hollow
Please give me instructions, I promise I’ll follow
I tripped on my ankle and fractured my elbow
But doesn’t that mean that the tour’s gonna sell though?
I try to explain the good faith that’s been wasted
But after an hour it sounds like complaining
Wait don’t go away, can I lie here forever?
You say that I’m better, why don’t I feel better?
The universe works in mysterious ways
But I’m starting to think it ain’t working for me
Doctor, should I be good?
Should I be good this year?
In their contemplative anthem ‘Karma’, AJR probes the profound and often frustrating quest for cosmic balance in a world that sometimes seems void of it. Through a blend of electrifying pop sounds and existential lyricism, the band delves into the universal struggle of doing good and seemingly receiving none of the promised karmic rewards.
Navigating through the layers of ‘Karma’, it unfolds as an earnest conversation with oneself and an unseen arbitrator of justice—perhaps a therapist, a spiritual guide, or the universe itself. The song offers no simple answers, but instead, captures the essence of human disillusionment when virtue seems to go unrewarded.
The Pursuit of Goodness: More Than Just a Melody
Central to ‘Karma’ is the theme of virtue unrewarded. AJR dissects this philosophical conundrum against the backdrop of a society that preaches the notion of ‘You get what you give’. The song’s narrator confesses to a string of good deeds, pondering over the emotional void, despite their efforts to be ‘helpful and friendly’.
Despite this, there is no pat on the back, no cosmic currency deposited into the narrator’s moral bank. This dichotomy between expectations from a karmic universe and the stark reality of their emotional state forms the crux of the song, challenging the listener to think about the true nature of doing good: should it be a transactional endeavor, or its own reward?
Disappointment in Broad Daylight: An Ode to Unseen Struggles
As the narrator’s days and nights are ‘filled with disappointment’, ‘Karma’ becomes an anthem for all those who face the paradox of feeling alone in their emotional labor. It speaks to the unseen struggles that many endure, where external validation and internal satisfaction are out of sync.
The juxtaposition of ‘fine’ with a plea for help in understanding and navigating their emotional landscape further intensifies the narrative. Such raw vulnerability captures the essence of a person at their wits’ end – maintaining a facade of normalcy while grappling with inner turmoil.
A Cry for Cosmic Recompense: The Hidden Meaning
AJR’s ‘Karma’ transcends a mere critique of spiritual accountability systems; it is a deeper exploration of the human yearning for fairness and recognition. The repeated question, ‘Where the hell is the karma?’, is less of a religious or spiritual plea and more of a call for an existential ledger balancing.
Beneath the digital beats and the rhythmic ah-ah-ahs lies a latent cry for existence to make sense – for consequences to align with actions. This hidden meaning taps into the collective consciousness of a generation that watches ‘good’ being sidelined and wonders if there is an ultimate reckoning.
Between Doctor’s Appointments and Philosophical Dilemmas
In a striking picture of vulnerability, the song illustrates the narrator at a doctor’s appointment, a metaphor for the search for answers, a diagnosis to help make sense of the internal void. The setting of a clinical space contrasts with the spiritual dilemma, showcasing our modern inclination to seek professional help for existential quandaries.
The song does not provide a therapy session resolution but instead presents a realistic portrayal of our culture’s struggle with reconciling mental health, personal growth, and the want for a just world. It subtly points out the futility in trying to rationalize every aspect of human existence through therapy or other means.
Memorable Lines That Echo the Millennial Malaise
In ‘Karma’, AJR encapsulates the millennial generation’s disquiet with lines that resonate deeply. ‘I’ve been working my ass off, still, I’m lonely and stressed out’ speaks volumes about the hustle culture that promises success in exchange for hard work and the contrasting feelings of isolation in a hyper-connected world.
The song wraps up with an almost surrendering thought, ‘Doctor, should I be good? Should I be good this year?’, questioning the very foundation of moral action if the cosmic return on investment remains elusive. It is this doubt, layered with hope and helplessness, that makes ‘Karma’ a profound reflection of contemporary disenchantment.
