Subtraction

Sepultura's song 'Subtraction' delves into the dark and complex themes of societal decay, loss of individuality, and the cyclical nature of human conflict. The opening lines, 'First generation born / A plague was created,' suggest a dystopian world where humanity's very existence has become a curse. The 'cure' being in the mind implies that the solution to these problems lies within human consciousness, yet solitude and isolation are all that the narrator sees, indicating a sense of hopelessness and disconnection from society.

The lyrics critique powerful nations that repress emotions and instill fear, making individuals feel like cowards who buy their safety at the cost of their freedom. This repression leads to a 'subtraction of personality,' where individuality is eroded within the human race. The imagery of 'grey shadows' and 'prophecies of chaos' paints a bleak picture of a future dominated by fear and uncertainty. The song suggests that history and past achievements ('green castles from the past') are being destroyed in the 'sands of war,' emphasizing the futility and destructiveness of human conflict.

The song also addresses the confusion and regression of leaders who stifle progress and misunderstand signs of advancement. The quest for self-understanding and the desire to save the world are juxtaposed with the paradox of 'killing in reverse,' possibly alluding to the self-destructive nature of humanity. The final lines, 'The earth will never / Be born again,' underscore a sense of irreversible loss and the permanent damage inflicted on the planet and human spirit. Sepultura's 'Subtraction' serves as a powerful commentary on the erosion of individuality and the cyclical nature of human suffering and conflict.