Meritocracy
.calibre Lyrics

the meritocracy
Referring to the concept of a system where people are promoted based on their abilities and achievements, rather than their social status or other irrelevant factors.

freedom - the contrast of freedom - the contrast
The word 'freedom' is repeated twice to establish a contrast between what should be available liberally and what is actually available, creating a disparity.

the network's avaricious, the fabric takes the darkest quote
The 'network' here could signify any structure in power that has a hunger for more and more, causing damage to the societal fabric by pulling the darkest ideas out of it.

no salvaging the designated when the hostage is the ransom note
In situations where people are held hostage, the focus shifts from finding the missing or identified kidnapped victim to managing impossible ransoms, causing irreparable damage.

the subtle hijacking of freedom leaves the common injury
By manipulating norms and values, a version of 'freedom' is provided at the expense of harming the common masses in a subtle manner, leaving no tangible relief from oppression.

it makes you feel like you're entitled to just a portion of your dignity
The system may lead one to believe that they are owed only a portion of their fundamental right to dignity, leaving them unfulfilled and unable to question the status quo.

the harvest is their favorite mammon, reaping the spark in me
It benefits those in power to collect and control the 'sparks' (creativity) of the individual and use it for their own gain and recognition.

this is a point-blank, covert colony - i see the meritocracy
The artist recognizes that the meritocracy is not accessible to all, but rather hidden through a covert and calculated system in a colony-like forum.

the meritocracy the meritocracy
Reinforcing the theme and ideology that drives this song.

just when did liberty become the industry
A rhetorical question that highlights the irony in how what should be a fundamental right has become a profitable industry for those in power.

before i subside, exhausted by aversion
Before the singer becomes disengaged and fatigued by their disdain towards the system,

i will lay, lay, lay waste their ruling circle
They will work to dismantle the controlling forces ruling over the meritocracy.

the dead-line, connecting all the secrecy
A play on words using 'dead' and 'deadline', representing the connections between the secrets held by individuals in power.

i will lay, lay, lay waste that monopoly
The singer is committed to breaking up the monopoly held by the meritocracy, enforcing a system that is more accessible to all.

the favorites are travelling the byways - on their dead-soul-drives they feed
Those who are favored by the meritocracy continue to thrive by suppressing the soul and agency of others.

i see them bring about a shock-wave - (of ferocity)
The artist is able to recognize the impact and ripple effects of those in power act with hostility to maintain control.

the capitals are racing up the ladder - the circle's narrowing, indeed
The hierarchy created by the meritocracy is causing the rich and powerful to move further from the common masses, causing increased exclusivity and rigidity.

you get to buy your very matter - (the meritocracy)
The meritocracy has become a system where buying one's way up and acquiring material benefit determines one's worth and future, rather than individual talent and effort.

the meritocracy the meritocracy
Once again, reiterating the central message of the song, that the meritocracy is a flawed system that needs to be dismantled and reimagined.