Natural's Not In It

Gang of Four's song "Natural's Not In It" delves into the complexities and contradictions of modern consumer society. The lyrics open with the line, "The problem of leisure, what to do for pleasure," immediately setting the stage for a critique of how leisure and pleasure have become commodified. The song suggests that what we consider 'ideal love' and 'the perfect life' are merely products to be bought and sold, driven by economic circumstances. This commodification extends to the human body, which is described as 'good business,' highlighting how even our most intimate aspects are not free from market forces.

The song also touches on the coercive nature of societal expectations. Lines like "Coercion of the senses, we are not so gullible" and "Your relations are of power" suggest that our desires and relationships are manipulated by external forces, making true freedom and authenticity difficult to achieve. The repeated phrase "Repackaged sex keeps your interest" underscores how even our most basic instincts are exploited to maintain consumer interest. The reference to Lot's wife, who in the Bible turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at Sodom, serves as a warning against longing for a past that was never as perfect as it seemed.

The recurring theme of a 'perfect life' being a source of discomfort, as expressed in the line "This heaven gives me migraine," encapsulates the song's central message. The pursuit of an idealized life, driven by consumerism and societal pressures, ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and mental strain. Gang of Four uses sharp, incisive lyrics to expose the hollow nature of these societal constructs, urging listeners to question the true cost of their desires and the authenticity of their pleasures.