Lyrics
I don't feel well; I called in sick today
The speaker is unwell and has taken a sick day from work.
I wash my hands; I wash it all away
The speaker is trying to cleanse themselves, metaphorically or literally, from something troubling.
There is no future I can plainly see
The speaker perceives a bleak future with no clear prospects.
So sit me down in front of the TV
Feeling disheartened, the speaker turns to passive activities like watching TV to cope.
The power that keeps us scared
Referring to an influential force that induces fear or control.
The company takes its share
The company exploits and takes advantage, likely in an oppressive manner.
The vultures are so bold
Comparing those taking advantage to vultures, suggesting predatory behavior.
Control
The word "Control" emphasizes the overarching theme of dominance or manipulation.
The past is a dream forgotten in the wake
The past is disregarded in pursuit of success and acquisition.
Of achievement and in everything we take
Success often involves taking from others without remembering the sacrifices made.
Reaping an imperial legacy
An acknowledgment of the consequences of imperialistic actions and their enduring impact.
We wash our hands; we wash it all away
Repetition of washing hands suggests attempting to cleanse oneself of guilt or responsibility.
The power that keeps us bent
Highlighting a controlling force that keeps people in a bent or submissive state.
The company takes the rent
The company exploits and extracts a fee, possibly rent or dues.
The culture has been sold
Commenting on the commercialization and commodification of culture.
Control
Reiteration of the theme of control and manipulation.
We're sick and tired
Expressing frustration and weariness with the current state of affairs.
Laid off and fired
Describing the experience of being laid off or terminated from employment.
We're sick and tired again
A repetition of the feeling of fatigue and discontent.
We're sick and tired
Reiteration of being sick and tired, emphasizing emotional exhaustion.
Deceased, expired
Using more extreme language, suggesting a state of emotional depletion or resignation.
We're sick and tired again
Continued expression of weariness and dissatisfaction.
The power that keeps us scared
Repetition of the controlling power that induces fear.
The company takes its share
Similar to line 7, the company continues to exploit and take advantage.
The vultures are so bold
Vultures symbolize the bold and predatory nature of those in power.
The power that keeps us bent
Reiteration of a force that keeps people in a bent or submissive state.
The landlord keeps taking the rent
The landlord extracting rent, emphasizing economic control and exploitation.
The culture has been sold
Repetition of the commercialization and sale of culture.
Control
A final emphasis on the theme of control and manipulation.
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