Negation State

The Shamen's song 'Negation State' is a powerful critique of modern society, exploring themes of disillusionment, social injustice, and the manipulation of the masses. The lyrics urge listeners to 'get real' and 'wise up,' suggesting that many people are living in a state of denial or ignorance about the harsh realities of the world. The song paints a bleak picture of a society poisoned by corruption and inequality, where the few benefit at the expense of the many. The repeated phrase 'altered state' serves as a metaphor for this distorted reality, where truth is obscured, and people are kept in a state of confusion and subjugation.

The song's imagery is stark and evocative, describing 'dead dreams running in the streets' and a country 'raged by the robbers and the cheats.' These lines highlight the widespread disillusionment and despair felt by many, as they are led by false promises into a 'promised land' that turns out to be a 'Third World.' The closing of hospitals and factories, and the filling up of dole queues and cemeteries, further emphasize the dire state of society. The lyrics suggest that people are being systematically oppressed and kept down, manipulated by those in power who 'have you in the palm of their hand.'

The song also touches on themes of resistance and awakening. The line 'I'm breaking the door down getting criminal' suggests a breaking point, where the protagonist can no longer tolerate the injustices and decides to take action. However, the song also conveys a sense of hopelessness, as the protagonist realizes that 'no one gives a f*ck' and that they are living in an 'altered state.' This duality captures the tension between the desire for change and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness that many feel in the face of systemic oppression. 'Negation State' is a call to awareness and action, urging listeners to recognize the reality of their situation and to resist the forces that seek to control and deceive them.