Propaganda
Like Fire Lyrics

The lyrics of Like Fire's song "Propaganda" convey a powerful message about the impact of external influences on one's mindset and the struggle to maintain individuality amid societal pressures.

In the first verse, the singer acknowledges the presence of someone else's thoughts inside their own mind. They question whether the other person is aware of their own thoughts or if they are simply absorbing external beliefs. The singer understands that their own perspective and sanity may not align with others. They observe how many people feel trapped or confined but fail to realize that they contribute to their own limitations by willfully ignoring the truth. The line "So smile" is perhaps sarcastic, suggesting that despite the self-deception, the person should continue to put on a happy face.

The second verse explores the theme of self-limiting beliefs. The singer highlights how people often underestimate their capabilities, feeling as though they cannot achieve anything significant. However, external forces, such as societal influence, encourage them to believe that they can be anything they want. The singer, once again, acknowledges that their own experience may be different from others. They caution against falling for the manipulation and lies propagated by others that convince people to bury their heads in the ground. The repeated line "So smile" might be seen as a cynical invitation to continue blindly following the propaganda.

The third verse introduces the idea of transcendence and the rewards awaiting those who break free from the confines of societal expectations. The singer assures the listener that they will lead them to higher realms, a metaphorical heaven. In this space, there is no sadness; only smiles are allowed. The lyrics suggest that the unspoken stories, unexpressed songs, and hidden truths of individuals will go unnoticed and unheard in the world. However, in the singer's promised realm, the listener will become a celebrated legend. It conveys a message of hope for those who feel unheard or disregarded.

The final verse reflects the singer's realization of their own mental and emotional turmoil. They express confusion and a feeling of their heart breaking down. This could symbolize the struggle of trying to make sense of their own thoughts and emotions while being influenced by external forces. The last line of the song, "So I can feel your mind inside my head," indicates that the singer desires to connect with the listener on a deeper level, to understand and empathize with their thoughts and struggles.

Overall, "Propaganda" introduces themes of personal agency, conformity, societal manipulation, and the pursuit of individuality. It encourages listeners to question the influence of external forces on their thoughts and beliefs while striving to maintain authenticity and self-expression.