Channel 4
Channel 4: Unveiling the Cost of War in a Televised World
Lyrics
Back and forth, t.v. to school, there's not much else you know
Describes the routine of switching between watching television and going to school, highlighting the limited exposure to other experiences.
They're the only things that feed you what you think, you need to grow
Suggests that television and school shape one's thoughts and perceptions, influencing what is believed to be essential for personal growth.
In the meantime, washington's concerned with overseas
Indicates that the government's attention is focused on international matters rather than domestic concerns.
Establishing (through corporate interest) foreigh policies
Comments on the influence of corporate interests in shaping foreign policies.
Get off the bus, walk through the door, a latchkey kid alone
Depicts the experience of a latchkey kid returning home alone after school.
The t.v. is on as soon as you set foot in your home
Highlights the pervasive nature of television in daily life, with the TV turned on immediately upon entering home.
Today is different, news is on instead of normal shows
Notes a shift from regular programming to news, indicating a significant event or crisis.
When I was younger, persian gulf. now kids see kosovo
Compares the current exposure to conflicts like Kosovo to the past experience of the Persian Gulf, reflecting changing geopolitical situations.
U.s. army, channel 4
Refers to the U.S. Army and Channel 4, connecting military actions with media coverage.
How can you trust anyone who's televised a war
Expresses skepticism about trusting individuals or entities involved in televised wars due to potential biases or misinformation.
Oil, power, channel 3
Associates oil and power with Channel 3, implying that media plays a role in shaping perceptions of economic and political interests.
There's entertainment value in the military
Suggests that there is entertainment value attributed to the military, possibly through media portrayal.
Investors increase profit margin, networks boost their ratings
Points out the financial gains for investors and networks during wartime, with protests turning into celebrations as disapproval diminishes.
Protest turns to celebration and disapproval is fading
Highlights the paradox of profit-making amid the human cost of war, with America seemingly indifferent or pleased.
Thousands die, but war is profit america is grinning
Emphasizes the irony of enjoying TV dinners while thousands are dying in war, portraying a disconnect between daily life and the harsh realities of conflict.
T.v. dinners, fat with pride and thinking we are winning
Connects pride and a false sense of winning with televised war coverage.
Watch for our prosperity
Encourages vigilance and awareness of national prosperity.
Watch for our economy
Emphasizes the interconnectedness of television, the economy, and national well-being.
Watch us die on t.v.
Raises the idea of witnessing death on television, possibly desensitizing the audience to the human cost of conflict.
Watch us kill humanity
Comments on the destructive impact of televised war on humanity.
Back and forth, t.v. to school, there's not much else you know
Reiterates the cycle of TV and school as the main influencers in one's life.
They're the only things that feed you what you think, you need to grow
Reiterates the idea that TV and school shape individuals' perceptions of what is necessary for growth.
So if you want your kids to learn the morals of modern war
Encourages parents to expose their children to the realities of modern war through television.
Then sit them down at home and they'll tune into channel 4
Specifically mentions Channel 4 as the source for learning the morals of modern war, implying a critical perspective on the media's role in shaping values.
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