Oh No :: He Said What?

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Oh No :: He Said What?' delves into the chaotic and often disheartening state of modern society. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where honesty is a 'losing game' and where sensationalism and hype often overshadow truth and integrity. The reference to '1999' evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, contrasting sharply with the present, where the future seems like a 'bad idea.' The song critiques how easily people are hurt and manipulated, with the line 'Tear down the planet for the hype' highlighting the destructive nature of modern sensationalism.

The chorus, 'Oh no, we have lost control,' reflects a sense of helplessness and disillusionment. The mention of a video that should never be shown to the public suggests the prevalence of hidden truths and the manipulation of information. The song also touches on the commodification of kindness and the pursuit of wealth, as seen in the lines 'There ain't no prizes for the kindest heart / But I'll make you rich if you subscribe.' This critique extends to the idea that people are often misled by lies, leading to destructive actions, such as someone blowing up a bar.

The repeated phrase 'Dance to the rhythm / My algorithm' serves as a metaphor for how people are controlled and manipulated by technology and media. The 'algorithm' represents the unseen forces that dictate behavior and keep people 'spinning' until they drop. The song's closing lines, 'Everyday it gets harder / We'll throw it away / So tell me when it's over / We'll do it again,' suggest a cycle of disillusionment and repetition, where despite recognizing the issues, society continues to fall into the same patterns. 'Oh No :: He Said What?' is a powerful commentary on the state of modern society, highlighting the loss of control, the manipulation of truth, and the cyclical nature of disillusionment.