The Plan
The Game feat. Keyshia Cole Lyrics

The lyrics of The Game feat. Keyshia Cole's song "The Plan" seem to convey a sense of restraint and conformity, urging the listener to behave themselves and conform to societal expectations or norms. The mention of imperfect circles and carousels represents the cyclical nature of life, where one may feel trapped and burdened by their actions and the expectations placed upon them. The reference to surrendering oneself as a captive of the collective implies a loss of individuality and autonomy, as societal forces gaze upon and manipulate individuals.

The lyrics continue with a call to ease one's conscience by following a formula, suggesting that conforming and behaving according to societal standards can alleviate guilt or inner conflicts. The mention of suffering slings and arrows, along with cameras that never tell the truth, points to the idea that public perception can be deceptive, and only a select few truly know the reality beneath the surface.

The chorus repetition of "Only the dog will know" suggests that even in the midst of conforming and following the plan, there may be hidden actions or motives that only a trusted few are aware of. The idea of carving shepherds from sheep and being led incorrectly further emphasizes the manipulation and control inherent in conforming to societal expectations.

Overall, "The Plan" explores the tension between conformity and individuality, highlighting the pressures to behave and conform to societal norms while acknowledging the hidden complexities and motivations beneath the surface.