Chippin' In
Damian Ukeje
Embracing the Cybernetic Self: The Anthem of 'Chippin' In'
Damian Ukeje's song 'Chippin' In' is a powerful anthem that delves into the themes of cybernetic enhancement and the fusion of human and machine. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who has undergone significant cybernetic modifications, with 'chrome in ma' bloodstream' and a 'hardwired metal soul.' This transformation is not just physical but also psychological, as the character craves 'serious action' and embodies a new identity forged through technology.
The repeated phrase 'Chippin' In' serves as a declaration of this new identity. It signifies the process of integrating cybernetic implants ('chips') into one's body, which in turn alters the individual's sense of self. The protagonist's 'slots are shot' and 'metal burnin' 'neath ma' skin' suggest a state of constant, intense activity and perhaps even pain, but this is embraced as part of their new reality. The song's aggressive tone and imagery of 'cold chrome' and 'spent molten lead' reflect a world where survival and identity are intertwined with technological augmentation.
The song also touches on themes of resistance and defiance. The lines 'Justice called heavy violence' and 'Corp plague in violent droves' hint at a dystopian society plagued by corporate greed and corruption. The protagonist, now a 'man of steel,' stands against this backdrop, embodying a form of justice that is as relentless and unyielding as the metal within them. The repeated calls to 'Fuckin' Feel it' and affirmations of being 'Real' emphasize a raw, unfiltered existence that challenges the boundaries between human and machine, reality and augmentation.