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

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.