Unnatural Light

Unmasking Activism: Svalbard's Critique of Shallow Change
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Lyrics

It appears as though you have a voice

Observing that an individual seems to have a voice.

But it’s just a wall to scream at

The voice is metaphorically described as a wall to scream at, implying a lack of impact or receptivity.

Give them a platform

Suggesting to provide a platform for expression.

And they will talk over each other

Warning that multiple voices on the platform may lead to chaos and disagreement.

Unable to agree on the bigger picture

People are unable to agree on overarching issues.

Give them a mirror

Suggesting self-reflection by providing a mirror.

And they will remain silent and transfixed

People remain silent and fascinated by their own self-image, posing as activists.

By painting their own portrait

Creating an image to appear as an activist.

To resemble an activist

Implies insincerity in activism, emphasizing the performative nature.


You sure put the ‘act’ into political action

Criticizing the performative aspect of political action.

And while you talk about change

Accusing the person of not taking real action despite talking about change.

You don’t make it happen

Being confined and losing momentum in efforts for change.

Trapped inside the venting system

Metaphorically trapped and losing energy in a system.

Losing the steam required to gain real momentum

Struggling to gather the necessary energy for meaningful progress.

It appears as though you have a voice

Repetition of line 1 for emphasis.

But it’s just a wall to scream at

Repetition of line 2 for emphasis.

Instead we argue within the microcosm

Focusing on internal arguments instead of addressing broader issues.

Trading all our information

Exchanging valuable information for superficial online engagement.

For filters and a podium

Trading genuine discourse for online filters and attention-seeking.


Stop carrying that square blanket

Advising to stop carrying distractions and being easily diverted.

You’re so easily distracted

Highlighting susceptibility to distraction.

Scrolling and scrolling

Continuous scrolling without delving into deeper issues.

But never scratching the surface

Superficial engagement without understanding the underlying problems.


Of how much freedom we sacrifice

Addressing the sacrifice of freedom when excessively engaging with devices.

When we pour ourselves into a device

Critiquing the obsession with devices for self-validation.

Just to hold the bragging rights

Engaging in online activities solely for boasting rights.


We pale against the unnatural light

Comparing human existence to the unnatural light of screens.

Of a screen the sucks up, sucks up most of our lives

Describing the overwhelming influence of screens on our lives.

So invested, yet so dissatisfied

Expressing dissatisfaction despite heavy investment in online activities.


If you mean what you say, then step away from stage

Encouraging individuals to step away from performative actions.

Use the voice that cannot be wiped

Advocating the use of a genuine and impactful voice.

If you mean what you say, then step away from the stage

Repetition of the message to step away from the stage for authenticity.

Lose the voice that’s frustratedly typed

Emphasizing the need to abandon the frustration expressed through typing.


Walk away from your image

Advocating taking genuine actions outside the online realm.

And take it outside

Encouraging individuals to detach from their online personas.

Walk away, just walk away

Repetition of the message to walk away, reinforcing the call for disengagement.

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