"Karma" is the eighth track on AJR's third album, Neotheater. Karma is composed in 4/4 time signature and follows a tempo of 156 bpm. The song is also written in F-sharp major.
"So I'm sure a bunch of you guys know this, but over the last couple months I've been working on finishing up my PhD, writing a lot on human rights and sustainability, and working with the UN, and those experiences have introduced me to different kinds of people from all over the world. And one of the really interesting things that I've come across is that no matter where you are in the world, people always have this fear. And it's a fear of something specific, it's a fear of this, y'know, connecting to and being in touch with your emotions and your feelings, and all over there's still so much stigma and it's still so taboo to talk about emotions and feelings and so, when Jack came to us with this song, this idea for a song about this, we said "Oh, maybe we shouldn't put this out." But then in thinking about it, y'know, if there are this many people around the world still having trouble with this issue, maybe it is relatable enough to write a song about it. This is a song called Karma.”
AJR also said on Twitter that on each album they have released there was always one song which set the stage for writing their next album. The song that "set the stage" for their upcoming fourth album, OK Orchestra, was Karma.[1]
Lyrics[]
I’ve been so good
I’ve been helpful and friendly
I’ve been so good
Why am I feeling empty?
I’ve been so good
I’ve been so good this year
I’ve been so good
But it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good
Where the hell is the karma?
I’ve been so good
I’ve been so good this year
Why
Are you asking me why?
My days and nights are filled with disappointment
Fine
Oh, no everything’s fine
I’m not sure why I booked today’s appointment
I’ve been so good
I’ve been helpful and friendly
I’ve been so good
Why am I feeling empty?
I’ve been so good
I’ve been so good this year
And I’ve been so good
But it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good
Where the hell is the karma?
I’ve been so good
I’ve been so good this year
What
Am I normal or not?
Am I crazier than other patients?
Right
I’ve done everything right
So where’s the karma doc I’ve lost my patience
‘Cause I’ve been so good
I’ve been working my ass off
I’ve been so good
Still I’m lonely and stressed out
I’ve been so good
I’ve been so good this year
And I’ve been so good
But it’s still getting harder
I’ve been so good
Where the hell is the karma?
I’ve been so good
I’ve been so good this year
(Ah ah ah ah) (x6)
I’ve been so good this year (x2)
Time
I know we’re out of time
But what if sad thoughts come and I can’t stop it?
Bye
I don’t wanna say bye
If only I could keep you in my pocket
To give me
Some diagnosis of why I’m so hollow
Please give me instructions I promise I’ll follow
I tripped on my ankle and fractured my elbow
But doesn’t that mean that the tour’s gonna sell, though?
I try to explain the good faith that’s been wasted
But after an hour it sounds like complaining
Wait, don’t go away, can I lie here forever?
You say that I’m better, why don’t I feel better?
The universe works in mysterious ways
But I’m starting to think it ain’t working for me
Doctor, should I be good, should I be good this year?
