A Like Supreme
SAMURAI (Cyberpunk 2077)
The Savage New Machine: A Critique of Modern Society in 'A Like Supreme'
The song 'A Like Supreme' by SAMURAI from the Cyberpunk 2077 universe is a powerful critique of modern society's obsession with consumerism, surveillance, and social validation. The lyrics paint a dystopian picture where freedom is equated with slavery, and every aspect of life is commodified. The opening lines, 'In our willingness to be bought / And in our hunger, hunger to buy,' highlight the paradox of a society that is both eager to consume and be consumed by the market forces. This sets the stage for a broader commentary on how the oppressed seek to be oppressed in style, indicating a superficial desire for materialistic validation even in the face of systemic exploitation.
The recurring phrase 'So, so savage the new machine' serves as a metaphor for the relentless and invasive nature of modern technology and social media. This 'new machine' is depicted as a predator, 'geared to hunt down your privacy' and 'dignity,' emphasizing the loss of personal freedom and self-worth in the digital age. The line 'Kill it all for a like supreme' underscores the extreme lengths to which people go for social approval, reducing complex human emotions and experiences to mere digital interactions.
The song also delves into the manipulation of language and information, with lines like 'Adjust the language / To what they believe' and 'Conflict is order / There's war in peace.' These lyrics suggest a world where truth is malleable and controlled by those in power, further deepening the sense of dystopia. The repeated calls to 'Hunt down / Your dignity' and 'Hunt down / Self-esteem' serve as a chilling reminder of the dehumanizing effects of this relentless pursuit of validation and control. Overall, 'A Like Supreme' is a stark, thought-provoking commentary on the dark side of modernity, urging listeners to reflect on the true cost of their digital lives.