Biggering

The song 'Biggering' by The 88, featured in the soundtrack for the animated film 'The Lorax', delves into the theme of unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of greed. The lyrics are presented as a dialogue between the Once-ler, a character who represents the entrepreneurial spirit taken to an extreme, and the Lorax, who speaks for the environment and warns against the consequences of greed.

The Once-ler starts by reflecting on his humble beginnings and how his initial needs have grown over time. He convinces himself that he needs to expand his business, which is symbolized by his desire for 'bigger' things: a bigger office, chair, desk, staff, and hat. The term 'biggering' is used to describe this relentless pursuit of growth, which is 'triggering' even more desire to expand. This cycle is indicative of a never-ending greed that becomes an insatiable hunger, always looking for more, regardless of the consequences.

The Lorax interjects, personifying greed as a 'little pet' that grows hungrier the more it is fed. He introduces the concept of pride as a 'nasty little worm' that drives the Once-ler's ambition. The song uses the metaphor of 'survival of the fittest' to justify the Once-ler's actions, likening a company to an animal in nature that must fight to stay alive. However, this justification overlooks the moral and ecological costs of such 'biggering.' The song ends with a stark portrayal of the negative outcomes: environmental destruction, deceit, and indifference to the suffering caused by this relentless pursuit of growth.