The pre-chorus "Survival of the richest" subverts Darwinian theory to critique modern materialism and the inevitable crash of a wealth-based society. The "Click-Bait" Controversy
It highlights the acceptance of recreational marijuana and same-sex marriage as baseline values for a "New Americana" generation.
The singer eventually dubbed it her "worst song," expressing frustration with being pigeonholed as the "voice of a generation" based on a track she meant to be self-aware parody. Visual Narrative: The "Hunger Games" Style The Official Music Video portrays a dystopian revolution. Halsey New Americana
Halsey has described the song as , intended to poke fun at the very "buzzword-heavy" culture it describes.
Many critics and listeners missed the satirical intent, leading to accusations that the lyrics were "plasticky" or "hollow". The pre-chorus "Survival of the richest" subverts Darwinian
The song explores a new culture formed by the normalization of previous countercultures.
Filmed in Hawaii, it features a sci-fi, "post-apocalyptic" aesthetic often compared to The Hunger Games . Visual Narrative: The "Hunger Games" Style The Official
Halsey stated the video touches on police brutality and the power of organized youth to effect change. Summary Table Halsey - New Americana in the Live Lounge