The Final Countdown

We're leaving together

Dear Gen Xers,

Well here we are with 2024 about to take a hike. May the Doc Martens of Time dropkick its ass on the way out the door.

From wars waged by psychos with microscopic members to billionaires who feast on the planet and its citizenry, I wouldn’t exactly call you out of pocket if you declared the world was fucked.

Politicians don’t give a shit.
Business owners don’t give a shit.
The cops and the media don’t give a shit.

So why the fuck should I? Why not grab whatever crumbs of the pie are left and step over anyone who gets in my way?

Because of Europe, that’s why.

No, no, not the continent. Not gonna find too many answers prancing around in lederhosen.

I’m talking about these guys:

Yeah, you remember. How could you forget? This isn’t a song. This is an anthem. This will cling to the back of our skulls until we turn to dust.

Wait a minute, I hear you asking. I thought we were talking about the world being screwed. About nobody caring and snatching what’s mine before I kick the bucket. What do these sexy yet talentless Swedes have to do with anything?

You’ll find the answer in the opening lines:

We're leaving together,
But still it’s farewell

Translation: We’re leaving 2024; saying goodbye as we enter a new year. As we enter a new year ‘together’.

Aye, there’s the rub: together.

Because like it or lump it (and I know as Gen Xers our default is to lump it), the fact remains that human beings do not and cannot exist in a vacuum. Whether it’s a relative or a lover, a shop assistant or plumber, a neighbor or doctor or accountant or friend, the evidence suggests we need each other to get through this thing called life.

There are exceptions, naturally, like rapists and pedophiles and influence marketers, but I’m sure you get my point. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is an excellent name for an average album. As a blueprint for life, however, it’s a surefire way to help your society slit its self-centered throat.

Here’s the basic metaphor for The Final Countdown:

A couple decides to give their love a shot. They embark on a journey, an unknowable adventure, one which may lead to the planet of Venus (i.e. the planet of Love) or to their personal ruin. Understanding there’s no guarantee, the couple decides their love’s worth the gamble; worth the ride through the cosmos, from whence they may never return.

I guess I’m a guy who thinks we’re still a couple. Who believes the world is still worth the ride. Yes, it’s been screwed six ways to Chelsea. But we’re stuck here together. And together we can change trajectories. Together we can chart whatever course we like.

Happy new year, you beautiful Gen Xer.

Have fun blasting off tonight. See you on the other side.