Collective Consciousness

The song 'Collective Consciousness' by Metal Gear Rising delves into the dark realms of societal control and the suppression of individual thought. Through its intense lyrics, the song portrays a dystopian society where the masses are manipulated and their freedoms curtailed. The repeated lines about letting the country control one's mind and soul emphasize the extent of this manipulation, suggesting a world where personal freedom is a relic of the past.

The lyrics 'The unenlightened masses / They cannot make the judgement call' suggest that the society depicted in the song views its citizens as incapable of independent thought, thus justifying the need for control. This control is further depicted in the lines 'Live in ignorance / And purchase your happiness,' where happiness and satisfaction are portrayed as commodities that can be bought, overshadowing the true cost of human effort and sacrifice. This reflects a critique of consumerist cultures where materialism often overshadows more profound human values.

Moreover, the song touches on themes of obedience and allegiance, which are enforced to maintain the status quo, as seen in 'Display obedience / While never stepping out of line.' The chilling climax of the song, 'The fires of greed will burn the weak / So we’ll make freedom obsolete,' serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of unchecked power and greed, suggesting that without vigilance, society could lose not just freedom but also its moral compass.