Discover the story of the song > 1985 – Bo Burnham

The song is about a man who idolizes a white man from 1985 who seems to have it all together - a cool shirt, cool shoes, job, family and an all-around good life. The protagonist wishes he could be like this man and asks how he can be what he is but 40 years ago. While recognizing that some white men did have challenges in that time period, the protagonist ultimately decides he wants to be like his father in 1985 and is envious of his seemingly happier and more oblivious life.