100% Sustainable

M.I.A.'s song "100% Sustainable" is a sharp critique of contemporary culture, particularly focusing on the superficiality and repetitiveness that she perceives in modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world obsessed with appearances, materialism, and fleeting trends. Lines like "Chair, make-up, body, lips / The same shit / Fish lips, big hips / Same shit" highlight the monotony and lack of originality in the way people present themselves, driven by societal pressures and media influence.

The song also delves into the commodification of feminism and the hollow nature of some modern feminist movements. M.I.A. calls out the superficiality with the line "Feminism, this ain’t it," suggesting that true empowerment and equality are being overshadowed by commercialized and performative acts. The repeated references to money and consumerism, such as "You got money? You go buy it," underscore the idea that many aspects of life, including relationships and self-worth, are being reduced to transactions.

M.I.A. contrasts this artificiality with a call for authenticity and sustainability. The chorus, with its chant of "Oh nature girls say ye, ye, ye, ye," serves as a rallying cry for a return to natural, genuine values. The song's title and the line "This is 100% organic, human-made, with care / No pesti-beats" emphasize the importance of creating and consuming content that is real and meaningful, rather than mass-produced and disposable. Through her lyrics, M.I.A. challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives and the societal norms they adhere to, urging a shift towards more sustainable and authentic ways of living.