Though this is obviously my own interpretation, with some inspiration from the music video, I believe this song is about the pressures of growing up, the desire of kids to achieve recognition for themselves, and struggle that comes in the process. For example, the main chorus "Hey kids/Into dust together" describes how kids often burn out due to overwork (therefore becoming "dust"). Afterwards, the line "Eyelids/Heavy as leather" potentially refers to the exhaustion that comes from this, thus eyelids being called "heavy as leather" (drooping). Next, the line "Looking clear but never recognized" refers to kids' accomplishments being seen as "good," yet the kids are never truly recognized for themselves - only their achievements. The second verse "Freaky company/Luminous hours in the morning/Out on this plastic beach/Turning obsidian" can be interpreted as kids being forced to work with "freaky" company (a.k.a malicious adults with bad intentions) at strange hours of the day ("luminous hours in the morning") in weird spots (the "plastic beach") in order to gain the attention and recognition they so badly desire for themselves, before the chorus repeats once more. Once again, this is all my own interpretation. Amazing song!