ARTIFICIAL SUICIDE
Bad Omens
Neon Rebellion: Decoding Bad Omens' 'ARTIFICIAL SUICIDE'
Bad Omens' 'ARTIFICIAL SUICIDE' is a powerful anthem that delves into the themes of individuality, resistance, and the rejection of being reduced to a mere product in a consumerist society. The song's title itself suggests a deliberate destruction of one's artificial or superficial self, which could be interpreted as a call to shed societal expectations and pressures in order to preserve one's true identity.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world dominated by technology and media ('neon glows,' 'digital snow'), where people are manipulated and their thoughts controlled ('a glitch in the chain, a loop in the brain'). The repeated line 'We're not gonna be a commodity' is a defiant refusal to be consumed by the system, likening individuals to 'maggots in the feed' that society devours. This is a stark commentary on how people are often treated as expendable resources rather than human beings with agency and worth.
The song also touches on the disillusionment of the younger generation ('Lightin' Molotovs for the broken youth'), suggesting a sense of rebellion and a desire to fight back against the status quo. The reference to the 'Antichrist on the evening news' could symbolize the pervasive negativity and fear-mongering in media that influences public perception. Throughout the song, the band questions whether their message can be heard over the 'white noise' of constant information and propaganda, emphasizing the struggle to be understood and to maintain authenticity in a world that often values conformity.