One Dimensional Man
Sims Lyrics

neon and strobe, the eyes don't go beyond the glow
The lights are mesmerizing, blinding everyone from seeing beyond the surface appearance.

they want to protest but lost the focus
People are eager to speak out but lack a clear direction or goal.

now they're latching on to any cause
People are jumping from one issue to another without deep commitment or understanding.

snapping down like any jaw
People are responding impulsively and aggressively without thought or reflection.

mulch from the demagogues
People are being fed ideas by manipulative leaders who rabble-rouse and spew empty platitudes.

acting like they're demigods
People are acting like they have all the answers and are invincible, when in reality they are just following blindly.

it starts with the link
It all begins with one connection or association.

moves to the sinking
It leads to a situation where everything is falling apart.

moves to the chain gang moving to the brink
It leads to people being trapped together and pushed to the edge of a dangerous situation.

rules are the same
The system remains the same, no matter how much people try to change it.

game speak in doublethink
The language used is contradictory, making it difficult to understand the true meaning and intent.

with the action based on guilt
People are motivated by a sense of shame or obligation, rather than genuine compassion or conviction.

holier than thou type thing
People adopt a self-righteous attitude and judge others who don't conform to their beliefs.

but you did your part
You made an effort to contribute to the cause.

you gave your hundred bucks to NPR
You donated money to a non-profit media organization.

you joined the co-op now
You became a member of a cooperative grocery store.

bought the hybrid car
You bought a car that uses both gasoline and electricity.

switched to peace coffee
You started drinking coffee that is sourced from socially responsible and environmentally sustainable farms.

went to three rallies
You attended three different protests or demonstrations.

then wiped your hands with sanitized solution
You took measures to keep yourself clean and safe from germs.

good deeds tallied
You kept track of all the positive actions you took.

consumer movement seeking absolution
People are trying to find redemption through their consumer choices, rather than systemic change.

redesign the treadmill, still ain't moving
Attempts to improve the system are not making any real progress.

desperately run in place
People are exerting a lot of effort, but not getting anywhere.

reapplied the laws of the bluest eye
Society continues to follow oppressive and discriminatory norms, as described in Toni Morrison's novel.

and the made the truest shade of grey
The situation is hopeless and there are no clear distinctions between right and wrong.

so we truly fade away
As a result, society is crumbling and losing its vitality and vibrancy.

like it or not you're standing here stranded
Whether people like it or not, they are stuck in this dire situation.

you didn't buy the tape and plastic
You made a choice to reduce your use of disposable and environmentally harmful products.

still copped the panic
You still succumbed to the fear and anxiety generated by the system.

you switched it up now you're buying all organic
You changed your purchasing habits to buy only organic and sustainable products.

screaming save the planet
People are shouting about the need to save the environment.

but you won't even save your neighbor dammit
However, people are not even willing to help their fellow humans in need.

they throw the line our caustic
Leaders are using divisive and harmful rhetoric to manipulate and control the masses.

they're rolling out the product
They are mass producing propaganda and lies to maintain their power and control.

they hit you in your heart aiming for you pocket
They are exploiting people's emotions and desires to make a profit.

you can't ignore the profit
It is impossible to avoid the fact that profit is the driving force behind most actions in society.

Michael Moore the topic
The concept of inequality and oppression, as explored in Michael Moore's documentaries, is a recurring theme.

now tell me that your time is really all that philanthropic
Can people truly call themselves philanthropic if their actions are not making a significant impact on changing the system?