O Superman

Laurie Anderson's 'O Superman' is a hauntingly prophetic track that blends minimalistic music with spoken word to deliver a powerful message. Released in 1981, the song is a part of Anderson's larger work, 'United States Live,' which is a performance piece that combines music, visuals, and spoken word. The song's repetitive structure and the use of a vocoder to distort Anderson's voice contribute to its otherworldly atmosphere.

The lyrics of 'O Superman' are abstract and open to interpretation, but they seem to touch on themes of technology, communication, and power. The opening lines, 'O Superman, o judge, O mom and dad,' suggest a conflation of authority figures, blending the idea of a superhero, a judge, and one's parents into a singular entity. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the omnipresence of authority and control in society. The song's refrain, 'Here come the planes,' followed by 'They're American planes. Made in America,' could be seen as a reference to military power and American imperialism.

The song also explores the relationship between humans and technology, as evidenced by the lines 'So hold me, mom, in your long arms, Your automatic arms, Your electronic arms.' This imagery suggests a cold, mechanized form of comfort, perhaps critiquing the way technology has begun to replace human connection. The song's mention of 'petrochemical arms' and 'military arms' further emphasizes the intertwining of technology with industrial and military power. Overall, 'O Superman' is a complex and layered song that continues to resonate with listeners due to its exploration of themes that are still relevant today.