Colonial Discharge

A Split Second's song 'Colonial Discharge' delves into the grim realities of colonialism and the exploitation of labor under oppressive regimes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the harsh conditions faced by workers, symbolized by the 'incinerating sun' and the 'sweat of toiling bodies' on a pyramid building site. This imagery evokes the historical context of ancient civilizations, where monumental structures were often built on the backs of enslaved or subjugated peoples. The mention of deities like Buddha, Shiva, and Osiris adds a layer of cultural and religious complexity, suggesting that these oppressive practices were not confined to a single culture or era but were a widespread phenomenon.

The recurring phrase 'Colonial Discharge' serves as a powerful metaphor for the expulsion of native cultures and the imposition of foreign rule. The 'intoxicating gas' could symbolize the allure of power and control that drives colonial ambitions, as well as the numbing effect it has on both the oppressors and the oppressed. The song's references to 'diving in sand' and 'moving land' further emphasize the disorientation and upheaval caused by colonial exploitation. The line 'Buddha's not drinking sand' could be interpreted as a critique of the spiritual emptiness that accompanies material greed and exploitation.

The latter part of the song shifts focus to the psychological and emotional toll of colonialism. Phrases like 'heat like lead' and 'sacrifice set' evoke a sense of relentless pressure and inevitable loss. The 'tracks of mindless wanderers' under the desert sun symbolize the aimless suffering and dislocation experienced by those caught in the machinery of colonialism. The final lines, 'You tasteless wasted earth people / Crawling before self-destructive deceit,' serve as a scathing indictment of both the colonizers and the colonized, highlighting the mutual destruction wrought by these historical injustices.