The Decline is largely a satire of American politics and law, with an overwhelming concern for blind behaviors of the masses, such as complacency, indifference, gun violence, drug-use, and conformity, as well as destruction of constitutional rights, and condemnation of the religious right.

Although the lyrics are somewhat disjointed, they all refer back to the unifying theme of the "decline" of America.

[6] A DVD featuring a live performance of The Decline was released on September 12, 2012.

[7] In 2016, an orchestral arrangement was released as part of the Mild in the Streets: Fat Music Unplugged compilation album, recorded by Baz and His Orchestra.

[8] In 2019, NOFX and Baz's Orchestra recorded a live version while performing at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, and it was subsequently published in 2020.