The Poverty of Student Life

Album: Happy Suicide, Jim! (2006)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Cevin Soling of The Love Kills Theory wrote this song. Cevin is also a filmmaker, and his work often takes on social and political issues. He says of this song, "This was the title of a pamphlet that was written by some students at the University of Strasbourg in 1966, although the full title is really: 'On the Poverty of Student Life: considered in its economic, political, psychological, sexual, and particularly intellectual aspects, and a modest proposal for its remedy,' but that would have been too long for the track listing and probably would have caused many iPods to crash. It is a seminal text in the Situationist movement and was a significant factor in the May 1968 uprisings in France. The lyrics deviate from the original text in that they reflect current trends and issues in the oppression of youth that takes place today." (Check out our interview with Cevin Soling.)

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.