Lyric discussion by Imahollowplay 

Cover art for The Beast lyrics by Angus and Julia Stone

First off. Amazing song. Great opener to the album.

I think this song is about becoming a slave to corporations, "the man". Just the whole idea that corporations are an evil, living breathing thing: "the beast". And working for it, you couldn't be "late". It's demanding. Just how money driven our world has become and the evil things in the world.