Follow
Incubus Lyrics

The lyrics of Incubus's song "Follow" shed light on the desire for material possessions in society, and how this pursuit can often overshadow the importance of humanity, equality, and morality. The first stanza addresses the excessive attention and importance attributed to superficial, material objects that men covet, often without considering their true value. The lyrics contrast the bold, newness and shine of these toys with the dark and spotty aspects of their origin, underscoring the cognitive dissonance involved in valuing objects that may be unethical or dubious. The second stanza captures the greediness of human nature by equating it to being a cannibalistic missionary who preys on the weak just to fulfill his or her cravings. The lyrics mention how tales of greed and exploitation have become very commonplace, emphasizing the normalization of such behavior, which is both surprising and shocking.

The chorus "Don't ask, don't tell, follow" mirrors the often-misused military rule that required soldiers not to disclose their sexual orientation. Here, it’s about people blindly following without questioning, suppressing their innate sense of morality and disregarding any sense of accountability for their actions. This anthem is a reflection of how people are so engrossed in their own lives and possessions that they often forget about the consequences of their actions, and the moral obligations that come with being human. It forces the listener to reflect on how their pursuit for material possessions often leads to moral and ethical compromises, and how we should strive for a society where the value of humanity takes priority over the superficial.