We Are All Prostitutes

The Pop Group's song 'We Are All Prostitutes' is a scathing critique of modern capitalist society. The lyrics suggest that everyone has a price, implying that in a capitalist system, moral and ethical values are often compromised for financial gain. The song's opening line, 'We are all prostitutes,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the way people sell their integrity and principles in exchange for material wealth and social status. This idea is further emphasized by the lines 'Everyone has their price' and 'You too will learn to live the lie,' suggesting that this behavior is not only widespread but also inevitable in a capitalist society.

The song also highlights the aggressive and competitive nature of capitalism, using terms like 'Aggression,' 'Competition,' and 'Ambition' to describe the driving forces behind consumer culture. The phrase 'Consumer fascism' is particularly striking, as it equates the oppressive nature of consumerism with fascism, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of material goods can be as dehumanizing and controlling as a totalitarian regime. The lyrics 'Department stores are our new cathedrals' and 'Our cars are martyrs to the cause' further illustrate how consumerism has become a quasi-religious pursuit, with shopping centers and automobiles taking on sacred significance in people's lives.

The song takes a darker turn when it addresses the consequences of this consumer-driven culture. The lines 'Our children shall rise up against us / Because we are the ones to blame' suggest that future generations will hold the current one accountable for the societal and environmental damage caused by unchecked capitalism. The repeated use of the word 'hypocrites' underscores the idea that while people may preach certain values, their actions often betray a different set of priorities. This hypocrisy is seen as a fundamental flaw in the capitalist system, leading to a cycle of blame and rebellion.