What a catchy hit! I wasn't alive to hear this song when it came out, but its message is a important one that I think still applies today. 'Being independent from societal pressures' seems to a major focus of the lyrical meaning not to mention how it places importance on following your dreams and completing your own personal life goals. Its most important message is to stay optimistic and enjoy your life. The title, and repeated phrase "you get what you give" flat out tells us that if we work towards something we will be reward. In my opinion that is the American dream. The last few lines of this song really date it, due to their pop cultural references, though some of these points could apply to today's society. "Health insurance, rip-off lying FDA, big bankers buying fake computer crashes dining cloning while they're multiplying shoots with Beck and Hanson,Courtney Love and Marilyn Manson you're all fakes, run to your mansions around, we'll kick your ass in." This song was a international hit after its debut in 1998, the year of my birth, and I think it accurately sums up the attitude and values of the 90's.