Backwards

Vulture's song 'Backwards' delves into the controversial topic of hidden messages in music, particularly the notion of subliminal messages when songs are played in reverse. The lyrics challenge the idea that musicians embed evil or demonic messages in their work, a concept that has been a subject of moral panic and censorship for decades. The opening lines, 'Messages hidden by forces forbidden / Don’t speak of the devil, we’re demons ourselves,' set the tone for a critique of the paranoia surrounding this issue. The band positions themselves as misunderstood artists, often vilified by critics and censorship boards.

The song also questions the existence of higher powers, both divine and malevolent, with the repeated line, 'I don’t believe in a god / How can I believe in a devil.' This skepticism extends to the idea of backward messages in songs, suggesting that those who believe in such things are 'backwards' themselves. The lyrics, 'Tell you some more lies, like we are the bad guys / We’re out to deceive you, cast a spell,' highlight the irony of being accused of manipulation while the accusers themselves may be the ones spreading misinformation.

Vulture also addresses the broader issue of censorship and the influence of authority figures on youth. The lines, 'Mark my words, who’s trying to influence the youth / One man is just one opinion, who’s telling you the truth,' question the motives behind censorship and parental advisory labels. The band argues that these measures are often based on prejudice rather than reason, as seen in the lines, 'They don’t submit to reason, blinded by prejudice / Call it parental advisory, I call it injustice.' By framing censorship as a form of possession, Vulture flips the script, suggesting that those who seek to control and censor are the ones truly influenced by irrational fears.