Today, Bright Eyes surprise released a new single, “1st World Blues.” The song, marked by horns and bright upbeats,  is an “homage to ska,” according to front man Conor Oberst. “From Desmond Decker to Tim Armstrong, we’re just happy to add our track to the bin. The video is inspired by NYC 90’s hip-hop, which like ska, has a long tradition of unifying people & using celebratory music to convey subversive political themes. To be played loud. Windows down. Summertime.”

“1st World Blues” takes a humorous look at the pressures of living under late-stage cpaitalism, flattening depression, anxiety, and discomfort into moody fits in department stores around New York City. One standout line goes, “I was talking crazy down at Old Navy / I was feeling despondent at Hot Topic.” Yet the thesis is much more existentialist, taking a harsh look at the rise of conservatism in the US and its alienation of its people. Amongst all the references to right-wing pundits, red hats, Reaganomics, and sportswear brands, Oberst quips, “It goes on and on and on it’s gone / From Fairacres to Aksarben / You’ve got the trust fund, Top Golf, rich kid blues / You’re just a tool that’s never gonna get used.”

The video for “1st World Blues” was directed by Jared Sherbert and features the band meeting up with friends on the streets of New York City.

Stream “1st World Blues” by Bright Eyes HERE