Breed To Breathe
Napalm Death
The Dark Side of Human Evolution: Analyzing 'Breed To Breathe' by Napalm Death
Napalm Death's 'Breed To Breathe' delves into the darker aspects of human evolution and societal constructs. The song opens with the phrase 'Divorced humanity,' suggesting a separation from our intrinsic human values due to scientific advancements and societal pressures. The lyrics 'Science strays / Walk the path of servitude' imply that scientific progress, while beneficial, has also led humanity down a path of subjugation, where we are controlled by the very systems we created. The 'malignant code' mentioned could be a metaphor for the harmful ideologies and behaviors that have become ingrained in society, leading to a 'misconceived passion' that drives us away from genuine human connection.
The song questions the authenticity of our emotions and actions with lines like 'Are we free to feel? / Do we hurt to heel?' This suggests a deep existential crisis, questioning whether our feelings and actions are truly our own or if they are manipulated by external forces. The repeated question 'Whose life to steal!?' highlights the moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas that arise from our actions, particularly in a society driven by selfish motives. The phrase 'Love, a crime of severance' further emphasizes the disconnection and alienation that pervades modern life, where even love is seen as a transgression.
The latter part of the song, 'Awareness fails the public eye / Primate morals sell the lie,' critiques the lack of public awareness and the superficial moral standards that society upholds. The 'selfish feed, breed to breed' line encapsulates the cyclical nature of selfishness and the perpetuation of harmful behaviors. In essence, 'Breed To Breathe' serves as a stark commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modern society, urging listeners to reflect on the true nature of their existence and the societal constructs that shape their lives.