This song is definitely about capitalism. The biggest critique of capitalism is that those who own the means of production are supported and paid by the exploited labor of the working class. This song mirrors those sentiments. The "you" is the capitalist class and the "I" is the working class.
"You part the waters, the same ones that I'm drowning in/thirsty for."
those with the power and capital make the decisions-- move the money, divide the resources-- while the working class has to desperately hope for trickle down-- drowing and thirsting at the will of those who own the means of production.
"You lead your casual slaughters,
And I'm the one who helps you win"
Another critique of capitalism points to the necessity of wars to keep down labor revolutions. The US for example has led many casual slaughters to keep the capitalist status quo on top (Nicaragua is a great example). The class who owns the means of production starts and leads casual wars, but which is only accomplished with the help of the working class to man the battlefields and pay for the wars.
"You invite your friends to tea,
But when it's me you lock the door."
Again, clearly happens in capitalim. The higher class who owns the producion is able to enjoy the luxuries of life and have exclusive parties, while stigmatizing and excluding the working class (who is actually paying for them).
"You've got your credit cards,
And you thank your lucky stars.
But don't forget the ones who foot the bill."
These lyrics pretty much sum up the theme of the song. He's point out that they have the money, they thank god for their elite status, but in the end they are only in their position because they exploit the labor of the working class. The song is about this injustice.
The chorus uses the metaphor of a piano, but really could be anything. It's the narrator voicing frustration at the inequality and injustice in the capitalist society. The high class has everything and the workers who build and pay for them have nothing. The metaphor shows a capitalist with a grand piano which he doesn't even have use for, as he doesn't play. The worker is looking at this wealth alongside the his own lack of such luxuries and is like, "come on! you don't even play piano! I do!"
This song is definitely about capitalism. The biggest critique of capitalism is that those who own the means of production are supported and paid by the exploited labor of the working class. This song mirrors those sentiments. The "you" is the capitalist class and the "I" is the working class.
"You part the waters, the same ones that I'm drowning in/thirsty for."
those with the power and capital make the decisions-- move the money, divide the resources-- while the working class has to desperately hope for trickle down-- drowing and thirsting at the will of those who own the means of production.
"You lead your casual slaughters, And I'm the one who helps you win"
Another critique of capitalism points to the necessity of wars to keep down labor revolutions. The US for example has led many casual slaughters to keep the capitalist status quo on top (Nicaragua is a great example). The class who owns the means of production starts and leads casual wars, but which is only accomplished with the help of the working class to man the battlefields and pay for the wars.
"You invite your friends to tea, But when it's me you lock the door."
Again, clearly happens in capitalim. The higher class who owns the producion is able to enjoy the luxuries of life and have exclusive parties, while stigmatizing and excluding the working class (who is actually paying for them).
"You've got your credit cards, And you thank your lucky stars. But don't forget the ones who foot the bill."
These lyrics pretty much sum up the theme of the song. He's point out that they have the money, they thank god for their elite status, but in the end they are only in their position because they exploit the labor of the working class. The song is about this injustice.
The chorus uses the metaphor of a piano, but really could be anything. It's the narrator voicing frustration at the inequality and injustice in the capitalist society. The high class has everything and the workers who build and pay for them have nothing. The metaphor shows a capitalist with a grand piano which he doesn't even have use for, as he doesn't play. The worker is looking at this wealth alongside the his own lack of such luxuries and is like, "come on! you don't even play piano! I do!"