Major Minus
Coldplay
Surveillance and Paranoia in Coldplay's 'Major Minus'
Coldplay's 'Major Minus' delves into themes of surveillance, paranoia, and the loss of privacy in the modern world. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the idea of being watched, with lines like 'They got one eye watching you, one eye on what you do,' suggesting a constant state of observation. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the pervasive surveillance in contemporary society, where individuals feel they are always under scrutiny, whether by governments, corporations, or even social media platforms.
The song also touches on the idea of mistrust and deception. The line 'So be careful 'cause nothing they say is true' implies that the entities watching us are not to be trusted, and their intentions may be misleading or harmful. This creates a sense of 'us against the world,' where the individual must navigate a landscape filled with deceit and hidden agendas. The mention of 'crocodiles ticking round the world' adds to the sense of danger and urgency, evoking images of lurking threats that are always present but not always visible.
Musically, 'Major Minus' features a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency that complements its lyrical themes. The repeated 'Ooh ooh ooh' sections add a haunting, almost hypnotic quality to the song, reinforcing the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of surveillance and suspicion. Coldplay, known for their emotive and often socially conscious music, uses 'Major Minus' to explore the darker aspects of modern life, urging listeners to be vigilant and aware of the forces that seek to control and manipulate them.