Contract Lyrics

Lyric discussion by chuxvom 

Cover art for Contract lyrics by Gang of Four

There is something here about the public/private distinction and the way in which it is used to maintain the political status quo. I think the song is arguing against the concept of the establishment of a social contract that operates in terms of mutual interest, and pointing out the way in which capitalism commodifies desire, and intrudes into our most personal and intimate moments, whilst at the same time placing "the personal" (marriage, religion, the family, etc.) beyond of political criticism. Paradoxically, one answer to this problem is to accept what bothers us, and embrace our embodiment on its own terms...