Don't Cry Genocide

Pussy Riot's song "Don't Cry Genocide" is a powerful and provocative critique of societal and political structures. The lyrics are a raw and unfiltered expression of anger and defiance against various forms of oppression, from state violence to gender norms. The opening lines juxtapose the safety of consumerism with the harsh realities of street protests, highlighting the disconnect between those who are insulated from violence and those who face it head-on. The mention of "prisons, bombs, and cops' nightsticks" serves as a stark reminder of the tools of oppression used to maintain control.

The chorus, with its shocking and explicit language, serves as a metaphor for the invasive and destructive nature of modern warfare and surveillance. The line "Fuck me with your big hard drone" is a biting commentary on the impersonal and dehumanizing aspects of drone warfare, which can destroy lives from a distance without any personal accountability. The repeated plea to not be picked off one at a time underscores the fear of systematic eradication and the importance of collective resistance.

The song also delves into gender dynamics, criticizing the societal expectations placed on women. The line "Diamonds, they say, are a girl's best friend, but a knife from the kitchen is a better bet" challenges traditional notions of femininity and suggests that women must arm themselves against a world that seeks to control them. The reference to women as "the best traitors" and "bitches by nature" reclaims derogatory terms and turns them into symbols of resistance and strength. Pussy Riot's unapologetic and confrontational style in "Don't Cry Genocide" serves as a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced or subdued.