The Sound
Han Gan Lyrics

In these lyrics, Han Gan reflects on the state of modern music consumption and the role of technology in shaping our musical preferences. The first two stanzas highlight the power of digital platforms, particularly playlists, in determining what becomes popular. The clicks and engagement from listeners influence what is considered the hottest, but this popularity is often influenced by advertising and marketing strategies. Han Gan suggests that this process of curating and promoting music is not innovative but rather a recurring cycle seen even in the early days of radio.

Han Gan questions the idea of fate in this system, emphasizing that it is not a coincidence or predetermined outcome when certain artists or songs gain popularity. Instead, it is a deliberate choice made by those who control the gates of the music industry, consolidating power and dictating the tastes and preferences of the audience. The repetition of the phrase "Don't call it innovation, it's happened before, it's how radio was born" reinforces the notion that this cycle of selecting and promoting music is not a new phenomenon but rather a continuation of the processes that shaped the emergence of radio.

The next stanza shifts the focus to the concept of airwaves and how technology has transformed the way music is delivered to the listeners. Han Gan questions the necessity of traditional airwaves when music can now be streamed and accessed through the cloud. This raises the question of who controls and pays for this technology, and who ultimately benefits from it. The repetition of the phrase "Who plays for it? Who pays for it? Who manufactures the sound?" emphasizes the commercialized nature of the music industry and the role that different stakeholders play in shaping and distributing the music.

In the final repetition of "It's how radio was born," Han Gan emphasizes that the current state of music consumption, with its reliance on digital platforms and marketing strategies, is not a new phenomenon. The lyrics invite listeners to question the processes and power dynamics at play in the music industry, and to recognize that the way in which music is curated, promoted, and accessed has a significant impact on the sounds we hear. Overall, Han Gan's lyrics spark a thought-provoking reflection on the evolution of music consumption and the influence of technology and commercial interests in shaping our musical experiences.