Silent Spring
Massive Attack (feat. Elizabeth Fraser) Lyrics

The lyrics of Massive Attack's Silent Spring can be interpreted in various ways. One interpretation is that the boy in the lyrics represents a powerful figure or system, which people are compelled to obey. The line "Boy brought power" indicates the authority he commands. The repetition of "To b-obey" speaks to the idea that people are bound to comply with the power structure, whether they like it or not. The line "I seek him clothe" suggests that people seek to cover themselves, hide or protect themselves from the consequences of not obeying. The phrase "A shrewd bow to b-obey" reinforces this idea because to bow in this context suggests submission and obedience.

Another way to interpret the lyrics is through environmental lens. The song's title, "Silent Spring," is a reference to Rachel Carson's book of the same name, which exposed the negative effects of pesticides on the environment. In this context, the boy who brought power could represent industrialization and human activities that have harmed the environment. The line "I seek him clothe" could mean that people are looking for ways to protect themselves and the environment from the harm caused. "Come shush-hush" might refer to keeping quiet about the damage caused by human activities, while "A shrewd bow to b-obey" suggests that people are forced to continue damaging the environment despite the negative consequences.

Overall, the lyrics of Silent Spring are open to interpretation and can be viewed in various ways, making it a thought-provoking piece that continues to resonate with many today.