A Campaign Of Shock And Awe

Evelyn Evelyn's song 'A Campaign Of Shock And Awe' delves into the unsettling world of exploitation and voyeurism, using the metaphor of a two-headed girl to critique society's fascination with the grotesque and unusual. The song opens with a carnival barker's enthusiastic invitation to witness the 'eighth wonder of the natural world,' setting the stage for a spectacle that is both 'stupendous' and 'revolting.' This duality reflects the public's simultaneous attraction and repulsion towards what they perceive as freakish, highlighting a deep-seated human curiosity for the abnormal.

The lyrics further explore the commodification of these 'freaks of nature,' as the two-headed girl is paraded around for profit. The mention of 'ten bucks a photograph' and the acceptance of various forms of payment underscore the commercial aspect of this exploitation. The song's tone shifts between a sense of wonder and a biting critique, as it questions the morality of profiting from another's misfortune. The repeated refrain, 'Isn't it nice that they're being so nice to us?' drips with irony, suggesting that the kindness shown to the performers is superficial and self-serving.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the two-headed girl is not just a sideshow attraction but also a metaphor for the artists themselves. The references to critics, hipsters, and media outlets like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork indicate that even in the modern world, artists are often commodified and exploited for public consumption. The song's closing lines, urging Evelyn to 'smile for the camera,' serve as a poignant reminder of the constant pressure to perform and conform to societal expectations. Through its clever use of metaphor and irony, 'A Campaign Of Shock And Awe' offers a powerful commentary on the ethics of entertainment and the human cost of our insatiable curiosity.