Context

This line is from the song "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" by Timbuk 3 from the album Greetings from Timbuk 3 (1986).

People in the 80s needed to don a variety of must-have accessories before going out in public. Headband. Leg-warmers. Shoulder pads, if entering a professional business setting. And, of course, shades.

In the 80s, the future was very bright, and everyone needed their Ray-Bans. That made this song by Timbuk 3 a natural fit as inspirational anthem of the decade…even if the song is actually an ironic criticism of society and an impending nuclear holocaust.

As it turns out, the future is so bright because of the explosion of a nuclear bomb. 

Those shades better be extra thick.

Where you've heard it

You might hear this quote if someone has something promising on the horizon. You did not hear it from Timbuk 3, who, despite being one better than Timbuktu, did not have a bright future. 

This song was their only hit.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

It's a very optimistic quote when taken out of context. Just don't wear your sunglasses at night—that's a different song entirely.