Brainwash Me

Gong's 'Brainwash Me' is a satirical and critical exploration of the pervasive influence of media and entertainment on individual thought and societal norms. The song opens with a reference to 'Holy Hollywood,' immediately setting the stage for a critique of the entertainment industry's almost religious influence on people's lives. The 'silver screen' symbolizes the glamorous yet deceptive world of movies and television, which programs individuals' 'body language' and desires, pushing them to live 'that rich man's dream.' This dream, however, is portrayed as an illusion, a manufactured reality that people are conditioned to aspire to.

The chorus, with its repeated plea of 'Brainwash me, baby,' underscores the song's central theme: the overwhelming and often unwanted choices presented by modern media. The protagonist expresses a desire to be free from the burden of choice, finding it 'simply too complicated.' This sentiment reflects a broader societal issue where the abundance of information and options can lead to decision paralysis and a longing for simpler, more directed lives. The song's repeated calls for brainwashing highlight a paradoxical desire for freedom through control, a surrender to the ease of being told what to think and believe.

As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the consequences of this media-driven brainwashing. The lyrics mention 'propaganda' and the 'enemy inside me,' suggesting an internal conflict between personal beliefs and the imposed narratives of the media. The 'Psychedelible Medicine Man' character introduces a glimmer of hope, offering a way to 'heal ourselves' if we can break free from the manipulative grasp of Hollywood and its ilk. However, the repeated references to 'Holy Hollywood' and 'propaganda' serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive and persistent nature of this influence, making the path to self-healing and true freedom a challenging one.