Unperson

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Unperson' delves into the unsettling themes of identity, control, and societal manipulation. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where individuals lose control over their senses and autonomy, becoming 'unpersons'—a term borrowed from George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984'. In Orwell's work, an 'unperson' is someone who has been erased from existence by the state, and the song uses this concept to explore the dehumanizing effects of modern technology and societal pressures.

The song's narrative suggests a loss of individuality and autonomy, as seen in lines like 'We lose all control of our senses, so slowly' and 'Now my computer gets sad without me, it's scary'. These lyrics reflect a world where technology and external forces dictate personal beliefs and actions, leading to a sense of helplessness and disconnection. The repeated assertion 'This is not what you think it is, it's worse' emphasizes the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the reality is far more dire than it appears.

The chorus, 'Cause I'm another unperson, you created this mess', points fingers at those in power, accusing them of creating a society where people are reduced to mere clones, devoid of individuality and critical thought. The mention of 'doublethink', another Orwellian concept, highlights the contradictory nature of the information fed to the public, leading to confusion and unrest. The song's protagonist asserts their existence and individuality despite the oppressive environment, stating 'Maybe I'm flawed, but I do exist. My thoughts are mine, I didn't sign up for this'. This defiance against the loss of personal identity and autonomy is a central theme of the song.

The final verse, 'I'm just another clone of a clone', underscores the dehumanizing effect of societal conformity and the loss of personal meaning. The repetition of 'clone' emphasizes the endless cycle of replication and the erasure of uniqueness. The song ultimately serves as a powerful critique of modern society's tendency to strip away individuality and autonomy, urging listeners to recognize and resist these forces.