Their Kindness Is Charade

Crystal Castles' song 'Their Kindness Is Charade' delves into the sinister side of seemingly benevolent actions. The lyrics suggest that the kindness shown by certain individuals or entities is nothing more than a facade, a charade designed to manipulate and control. The opening lines, 'Their kindness is charade / It's used to sedate,' immediately set the tone, indicating that this kindness is a tool for sedation, a way to keep people docile and compliant. This theme of manipulation is further emphasized with the lines, 'If you are being used / You should remain confused / To keep them amused,' suggesting that confusion and disorientation are deliberate tactics employed to maintain control and amusement for those in power.

The metaphor of 'Inhale their chloroform' is particularly striking, likening the deceptive kindness to a sedative that numbs and incapacitates. This metaphor extends to the idea that what people long for, they simultaneously claim to abhor, highlighting a paradoxical relationship with the very forces that oppress them. The lyrics 'Against all progression / Become a possession / Never learn your lesson' underscore a cycle of stagnation and objectification, where individuals are reduced to mere possessions, unable to break free from the manipulative forces at play.

Crystal Castles, known for their dark, electronic soundscapes and often cryptic lyrics, use this song to critique societal and interpersonal dynamics where power and control are masked by a veneer of kindness. The song serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to look beyond superficial gestures and recognize the underlying intentions that may be at play. By doing so, it challenges the audience to question and resist the forces that seek to sedate and control them under the guise of kindness.