Rihanna – Disturbia Lyrics | 14 years ago |
Am I the only one who is reminded of Orwell's book, 1984, by this song? Maybe I'm just crazy. I originally thought it made a direct reference ("a minority of one" instead of "we're in the city of wonder") to the book, which later proved to be a misheard lyric. However, other elements of the song still fit with a totalitarian dystopia, similar to that of 1984. No more gas in the rig - (material goods are scarce because of government mismanagement) Can't even get it started Nothing heard, nothing said Can't even speak about it - (this can never be pointed out as it would be interpreted as anti-government) All my life on my head - (the only place you can think independently is inside your own head, so all of your life is bothering you. Additionally this can be interpreted as "my life depends on what is in my head, what I think" referring to the fact that in an Orwellian society even thoughts can be seen as treason - sufficient grounds for execution or worse) Don't want to think about it - (thinking about it would be dangerous - it would lead to "thoughtcrime") Feels like I'm going insane - (the main character often wonders if he's insane) Yeah It's a thief in the night To come and grab you - (when people are arrested, they are generally taken in the night by the thought police) It can creep up inside you And consume you - (everyone is indoctrinated into a certain mode of thinking from a very young age. People have no control over it, but they are brainwashed) A disease of the mind It can control you It's too close for comfort - (further refering to the brainwashing/indoctrination) Throw on your break lights - (try to stop this from continuing) We're in the city of wonder - (citizens of Oceania, the country in 1984, are constantly told that they are living under the best conditions ever achieved - denying that is thought crime) Ain't gonna play nice -(the government uses terrible tactics to control the population) Watch out, you might just go under - (you could easily be the next to go) Better think twice - (works on a number of levels - first as a reference to the practice of "doublethink," the ability to hold to contradictory thoughts in your head and believe both of them, second as a reference to being careful of your actions and thoughts. Ultimately it implies thinking twice before thinking something illegal - something which is impossible without some degree of doublethink.) Your train of thought will be altered - (the government is researching new ways to alter people's minds and ways of thinking) So if you must falter be wise - (further emphasis on the dangers associated with nonconformity in such a society) Your mind is in disturbia It's like the darkness is the light - (could be viewed as a direct instance of doublethink) Disturbia Am I scaring you tonight Your mind is in disturbia Ain't used to what you like - (the main society rejects all who have any kind of variation in interests) Disturbia Disturbia Faded pictures on the wall - (like the pictures of Big Brother that are everywhere in 1984) It's like they talkin' to me - (the pictures seem to watch you, plus telescreens are omni-present, enabling the government to talk to people at any time) Disconnectin' your call Your phone don't even ring - (the government has absolute power over everything, particularly modes of communication) I gotta get out Or figure this shit out It's too close for comfort - (logical reaction to such disturbing conditions) It's a thief in the night To come and grab you It can creep up inside you And consume you A disease of the mind It can control you I feel like a monster - (ultimately, the government can force you to see aspects of yourself that are so unpleasant that they force you to conform) Release me from this curse I'm trying to remain tame - (the main character originally tries to conform to society) But I'm struggling - (but he just can't do it) I'm sure this isn't what was originally intended when this song was written but I can't help but hear it this way. |
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