Choose Life (feat. Ewan McGregor)

Underworld's 'Choose Life (feat. Ewan McGregor)' is a powerful commentary on modern consumer culture and the existential choices we face. The song, which features a monologue by Ewan McGregor, is famously associated with the film 'Trainspotting.' It opens with a rapid-fire list of conventional life choices: jobs, careers, families, and material possessions. These items symbolize the societal expectations and the consumerist lifestyle that many people are pressured to adopt. The repetition of 'Choose life' serves as a sarcastic critique of these norms, suggesting that such choices lead to a monotonous and unfulfilling existence.

The lyrics delve deeper into the emptiness of this consumer-driven life. The mention of 'mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows' and 'stuffing junk food into your mouth' paints a bleak picture of a life devoid of meaning and purpose. The song critiques the idea that material possessions and societal status can bring true happiness. Instead, it portrays these choices as leading to a 'miserable home' and a life that ultimately ends in regret and disillusionment. The phrase 'an embarrassment to the selfish brats that you spawned to replace yourselves' underscores the cyclical nature of this unfulfilling lifestyle, passed down from one generation to the next.

In a striking contrast, the narrator declares, 'I chose not to choose life. I chose something else.' This statement represents a rejection of societal norms and a search for an alternative path. It challenges listeners to question their own life choices and consider what truly brings them fulfillment. The song's repetitive structure and stark language serve to emphasize the urgency and importance of making conscious, meaningful choices rather than blindly following societal expectations.