Culture of Fear
Thievery Corporation Lyrics

Seems to me like they want us to be afraid, man
The people in power want us to be scared and anxious.

Or maybe we just like being afraid
People have become used to being afraid so it feels like a normal part of life.

Maybe we just so used to it at this point
People have become accustomed to living with fear and uncertainty.

That it's just a part of us, part of our culture
Fear has become ingrained into our way of life and is a shared experience.

Security alert on orange
There is a high level of security alert, which causes more anxiety and fear.

It's been on orange since '01, G
The security alert has been in effect since 2001, which is a long time to live under high alert.

I mean wassup man, can't a brother get yellow, man
The singer is frustrated with constantly being under high alert and wants a break from it.

Mic check
The artist is getting ready to deliver a message through music.

The groom is dead so I'mma rhyme like a lunatic
The current state of society is in chaos, and the artist is expressing it through music.

I do this shit with the non-assuming wit
The artist is using humor and intelligence to deliver a powerful message.

The corporation caught you up bassing the tempo
Big corporations distract and manipulate society with entertainment.

My name is Lift Baster intro now let's go
The artist is introducing themselves and starting their message.

The flow of life throwing strife into the mix
Life is unpredictable and brings challenges and struggles.

To the big dark condition and the word is sick
The state of society is dark and twisted.

The powers to be, a power in me
Those in power have control, but the singer still has the power to speak and share their message.

To speak of our stress and strife that I see everyday
The artist is sharing the everyday struggles that people face in society.

And more to speak of our culture of fear, it's up in your ear
The artist is calling attention to the pervasive culture of fear that exists in society.

They're telling us terrorists are about to strike
The media and politicians spread fear by warning of imminent terrorist attacks.

Maybe tonight, right
The fear of terrorism is always present and the possibility is unpredictable.

Let me just back up slowly with critical analysis
The artist is pausing to reflect and think more deeply about the issues at hand.

Of those who control me
The artist is acknowledging that they are not in complete control of their own life.

It used to be just had a screen in the crib on the TV
Media used to be only on TV screens inside homes.

But now we carry screens when we leave
Media is now carried with us everywhere through smart devices.

See laptops, smart phones, now we're never alone
Technology has made it so that we are always connected and never truly alone.

A little affliction I call a media dome
This constant connection to media creates a prison-like environment.

But on the low famine is the programmin'
Media programming often promotes scarcity and fear to sell products.

You want to watch your favorite show because it's so slammin'
We are distracted by the entertaining content of media and overlook the fear-based messaging.

Hold hands and let's gaze into the beautiful glare
There is a beauty and allure to the constant media barrage even though it causes fear and anxiety.

While we're here so immersed in this culture of fear, fear, fear
Fear is a pervasive part of our culture and it is ingrained in our daily lives.

Yo we fear the IRS, fear the INS, fear God
There are many fears, from government entities to religious ones.

I'm more afraid of a credit card than a terror squad
Financial fears are more pressing and immediate than fear of terrorism.

But really y'all, we're suspecting the weapons overseas
We are told to fear external threats and enemies.

Yet Master Card and VISA won't allow me to breathe
Financial institutions have power over people's lives and create stress and anxiety.

They deceive the enemy is in the fine print
Financial institutions hide fees and other detrimental clauses in their agreements.

They assassinate salad with no single assailant
Even healthy foods are marketed and sold with fear-based tactics.

Walls I am stealing to get the view of the blue skies
The artist is breaking away from the confines of society to try and gain a new perspective.

Beautiful ? trying to survive ?
There is beauty in the world but it is often hidden from us due to fear and anxiety.

Representin' element ahead, a sentiment that you feel
The singer is sharing their message and hoping others can relate to their sentiment.

When you know for real
The singer is speaking the truth and wants others to recognize and understand it.

The deal starts with a sparkle moved with a handshake
Deals and agreements are often masked with a veneer of trust and agreement.

Physical to alter your subliminal landscape
Even physical gestures and agreements can have a deep impact on our subconscious and worldview.

You leave thinking I can really trust that guy
The facade of trust and agreement can cause people to let their guard down and be vulnerable.

To be honest with you, you should've really punched that guy
Trusting others can lead to dangerous and harmful situations.

Now it's operation shake-a-banker, thank-you for the loan
The artist is expressing frustration with the financial system and how it operates.

See you when you come to repossess my home
The financial system is often predatory and can cause people to lose their homes and possessions.

Alone at night, sweating of visions of Armageddon
Fear and anxiety can cause vivid and disturbing dreams and visions.

I've never seen the threat, yet I feel threatened
The singer is afraid even though they have not seen a physical threat or danger.

Parts of our society designed to smear freedom
Some parts of society actively work against freedom and liberty.

Don't succumb to this culture fear
The singer is urging listeners to resist the culture of fear and not let it control their lives.

Don't succumb to this culture fear
The singer is again emphasizing the importance of resisting fear and anxiety in our daily lives.

Don't succumb to this culture fear
The final admonishment is a rallying cry to be strong in the face of fear and not let it dominate our existence.