Electric Eye

Judas Priest's 'Electric Eye' is a song that delves into the themes of surveillance and the omnipresence of technology. The lyrics personify a satellite as an all-seeing entity, observing and recording the actions of individuals on Earth. The 'electric eye' is described as being in space, looking down on people, with its 'lasers' tracing every move they make. This creates an atmosphere of inescapable scrutiny, where privacy is an illusion and every action is monitored.

The song also touches on the idea of technology as an enforcer of cleanliness and order within a country, suggesting a dystopian reality where control is maintained through constant surveillance. The 'electric eye' claims to be 'made of metal' with 'circuits' that gleam, emphasizing its non-human, emotionless nature. It is 'perpetual,' suggesting an unending and unyielding presence. The repeated lines 'I'm elected electric spy' and 'I'm protected electric eye' imply a sanctioned authority, as if the surveillance system has been democratically chosen and is invulnerable to interference.

The chorus of 'Electric Eye' reinforces the power and invasiveness of this surveillance system. The eye is always watching, and there is a sense of resignation to its power, as there is 'nothing you can do about it.' The song reflects concerns about the loss of privacy and the rise of a surveillance state, themes that are increasingly relevant in today's digital age where technology has the capability to track and record vast amounts of personal information.