Peace & Love, Inc.
Information Society
The Satirical Sales Pitch of 'Peace & Love, Inc.'
Information Society's song 'Peace & Love, Inc.' is a satirical take on the commercialization of social movements and the commodification of ideals. The lyrics present a world where peace and love are marketed as products, complete with sales pitches and promotional tactics. The song opens by acknowledging the complexity of the world and the pressure to maintain a facade of happiness, setting the stage for the introduction of 'Peace & Love, Inc.' as a solution to these modern woes.
The chorus, 'If you've got to believe in something, believe in us 'cause we make it easy,' highlights the ease with which people can buy into pre-packaged ideologies. The repeated emphasis on making things 'easy' and 'free' suggests a critique of how genuine beliefs and values are often replaced by convenient, superficial alternatives. The song's use of commercial language, such as 'blue-light special' and 'market cornered,' further underscores the absurdity of treating profound concepts like peace and love as mere commodities.
Moreover, the song touches on the idea of political correctness ('we'll make you PC') and the involvement of celebrities ('we've got all the biggest stars'), pointing to how social causes are often co-opted by popular culture and media. The repetitive welcoming chant at the end of the song ('Welcome to peace and love, Inc.') serves as a final ironic twist, inviting listeners to join a movement that has been stripped of its authenticity and reduced to a brand. Through its clever lyrics and catchy tune, 'Peace & Love, Inc.' offers a sharp critique of the ways in which society commercializes and trivializes important social values.