Tyranny (feat. Pritam Adhikary)
Earthside
The Illusion of Righteousness: A Deep Dive into Earthside's 'Tyranny'
Earthside's 'Tyranny,' featuring Pritam Adhikary, is a powerful critique of self-righteousness and the performative nature of morality in modern society. The song opens with a direct accusation, calling out individuals who present themselves as virtuous while distancing themselves from those they deem inferior. This duality is captured in the lines, 'You’re an actor, performer / Painting yourself in the white light,' suggesting that the righteousness displayed is merely a facade. The song challenges the listener to question the authenticity of their moral actions, especially when 'doing right’s not right enough.'
The chorus delves deeper into the collective hypocrisy of society. While people claim to desire change and justice, they often fail to act when it matters most. The lyrics, 'We say we want to wait to blame / But I don’t think we do,' highlight the reluctance to take responsibility and the tendency to scapegoat others. This is further emphasized by the repeated notion of throwing others 'to the wolves,' a metaphor for sacrificing others to maintain one's own moral high ground. The song critiques this behavior as a form of 'tyranny,' where the self-proclaimed righteous impose their will on others without genuine empathy or understanding.
The inclusion of Bengali lyrics adds a layer of cultural depth and universality to the song's message. Pritam Adhikary's verses speak of detachment, sorrow, and the struggle to break free from the 'shackles of incompleteness.' This imagery resonates with the overall theme of the song, emphasizing the internal conflict and the yearning for true righteousness. The Bengali lines, 'Detached from this form of mine / Who, unsought, kindled all these lights?' suggest a search for authenticity amidst the chaos of performative morality. The song ultimately calls for introspection and a break from the chains of superficial righteousness, urging listeners to plant the seeds of genuine change rather than merely flaunting their virtue.