Radio Control

Mick Jagger's song "Radio Control" delves into the pervasive influence of media and societal expectations on individual autonomy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels like a mere pawn in a larger game, manipulated and controlled by external forces. The metaphor of being a player in a game show and a string on someone's yo-yo highlights the lack of control and the trivialization of one's life. The repeated phrase "Feel my body's under radio control" underscores the sense of being dominated by unseen powers, possibly referring to the media, societal norms, or even personal relationships that dictate one's actions and thoughts.

The song also touches on the pressures of maintaining a certain image and the constant competition that pervades modern life. Jagger mentions the need for women to have a sense of style and for men to exhibit aggression, reflecting societal expectations that can be both exhausting and dehumanizing. The lines "I'm getting sick of competition / You better take me off this mission" express a desire to escape these relentless pressures. The imagery of eating scandal for breakfast and spitting gossip late at night further emphasizes the toxic environment fueled by media consumption and societal scrutiny.

Throughout the song, Jagger maintains a tone of resistance and survival. He speaks of staying fresh and not letting the power run dry, indicating a determination to maintain some semblance of self amidst the chaos. The repeated commands to walk forwards and backwards, work hard, and take a vacation, all under the banner of "radio control," suggest the cyclical and inescapable nature of these societal demands. Ultimately, "Radio Control" is a commentary on the struggle for personal freedom in a world where media and societal expectations exert a powerful and often overwhelming influence on individual lives.