Anything I Say Can And Will Be Use

T-Bone Burnett's 'Anything I Say Can And Will Be Use' is a haunting exploration of darkness, paranoia, and societal critique. The song opens with a stark self-assessment, where the narrator equates himself with hell, setting a tone of internal and external turmoil. The imagery of a 'torture-chamber orchestra' and 'delirium hotel' paints a vivid picture of a mind in chaos, while the mention of a 'hallucination rattlesnake' suggests a struggle with reality and perception. The line 'You're my friend, but I'm gonna kill you' introduces a chilling juxtaposition of intimacy and violence, hinting at betrayal or the destructive nature of close relationships.

The song delves deeper into themes of surveillance and control with lines like 'Somebody's got to monitor all this darkness' and 'Somebody's got to locate the bomb. Dot com.' These lyrics reflect a world obsessed with security and the omnipresence of technology, possibly critiquing the invasive nature of modern surveillance. The reference to 'MK ultra satellite' and 'target Arab Sheik' evokes images of government conspiracies and geopolitical tensions, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The repeated phrase 'gotta cry, gotta go' underscores a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the narrator is trapped in a cycle of fear and action.

Burnett's lyrics also touch on themes of fame and manipulation. The lines 'I'll make you a star on television' and 'speak to my girl Friday the thirteenth' suggest a cynical view of celebrity culture, where individuals are exploited and discarded. The song's closing lines, 'This is a story which is based on a true story, which is based on a lie,' encapsulate the blurred lines between reality and fiction, truth and deception. The repeated warnings 'Don't jack with me' emphasize a sense of finality and resignation, as the narrator acknowledges their own history and the inevitability of their fate. Through its dark, surreal imagery and biting social commentary, 'Anything I Say Can And Will Be Use' offers a powerful reflection on the complexities of modern life and the human psyche.