Overall Impression

tcr!’s “Cost of Society” is an alternative rock track that dives head first into the raw and unsettling exploration of isolation and the struggles of conformity. Mere seconds into the track, a gritty, unpolished sound instantly sets the tone, echoing the feelings of frustration and disconnection that permeate the lyrics. This stylistic choice complements the overarching theme, creating an atmosphere that feels fittingly off-kilter and you could even say almost hypnotic. Its raw sound, coupled with the understated vocal style, crunchy rhythms, and a memorable guitar melody, creates a solid piece of alternative rock songwriting, and the way the lyrics delve deep into the psyche of an individual caught between the desire for acceptance and the reality of their struggles help it to become a thought-provoking tune for anyone who has ever felt out of place.

Strongest Points

The off-kilter style of the vocals mirrors the lyrical narrative perfectly, with the singer adopting a monotone style that feels somewhat hypnotic. As the song’s storyteller “Bruce” recounts his experiences, the uneven cadence and imperfect inflections match the lyrics’ unbalanced nature, amplifying their impact tenfold. The crunchy rhythms work well to drive the song forward, providing a robust backbone that contrasts with the introspective lyrics. The sometimes dissonant harmonic qualities of the track are put to great effect and help reflect Bruce’s turbulent mental state. At the heart of the track lies a simple yet effective recurring guitar melody. Its repetitive nature acts as an anchor, grounding the track’s various other elements around it.

Lyrically, “Cost of Society” is a poignant commentary on alienation and the price of conformity. Bruce’s confessions—his lost marbles and soft walls—paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their identity in a world that demands compliance. Lines like “They gave me crayons and a coloring book to write in / How exciting” reveal a biting irony, showcasing the limited freedoms offered to those who don’t fit the mold. The frustration of being sidelined for not playing along is palpable, as is the longing for connection, evident in the repeated plea, “Where are you going? We’re a family.”

Lyrics

My name is Bruce
There’s no excuse for me
My screws are loose
My marbles are lost

At the cost of society
They gave me crayons
and a coloring book to write in
How exciting
But when I wouldn’t play their games
they took them away

What a shame, my name is Bruce
At the cost of society

At the cost, cost of society
My walls are soft
They mean a lot to me
On days when I cough up my thorazine
have to be restrained

What a shame, my name is Bruce

At the cost of society
I lost my mind
It’s hard to just be living
Wanna go somewhere in the city
See my mom on thanksgiving
At the cost, cost of society

Where are you going?
We’re a family
Where are you going?
We’re a family

At the cost of society
My name is Bruce
I’m not, not, not a fruit loop
My name is Bruce
5 and 4 do abuse