Words I Never Said (2011), Lupe Fiasco

The lyrics are direct insinuations that the U.S. political and The lyrics are direct insinuations that the U.S. political and economic systems are corrupt and utilizing the country for a few peoples gain. Controversial events like 9/11, and the housing crash are referenced to question what is happening around us and why aren’t we questioning it ourselves.7 Even more suggestive is the music video for Words I Never Said.8 The video is a modern twist on A Clockwork Orange’s totalitarian society and forced behavioral therapy for dissidents. It society and forced behavioral therapy for dissidents. It features a young woman being dragged into a prison, strapped into a chair, and her eyes forced open to watch a slideshow of images endorsing consumerism and obedience. The music video also portrays society outside the prison as literally muzzled by fear of government authority, depicted in detail by the symbolic mouth bindings which appear in stark contrast when a young man who speaks out against the blind contrast when a young man who speaks out against the blind and silent acceptance of government manipulation is bodily hauled away to a cell.

2+2=5 (2003), Radiohead

The title directly references “the symbol of unreality” from The title directly references “the symbol of unreality” from Orwell’s novel 1984. The symbol of unreality4 (2+2=5) being the desired end result of doublethinking; replacing one’s own thoughts and beliefs with those imposed by the totalitarian government. Even though two plus two does not equal five, this logic is negated by the cowed totalitarian citizen who says it does equal five to avoid certain torture or death.death.

The lyrics for 2+2=5 details the building of an Orwell-esque future while people aren’t paying attention, but before anyone can realize what’s going on and stop it they’re saying 2+2=5.5

The music video for 2+2=5 created by Gastón Viñas is an animation that depicts the construction of a totalitarian society where one small group attains massive wealth (cartoon pigs) while the majority is drained of everything; physical belongings, their will, and ultimately their own thoughts (cartoon cows that are become so skinny they no longer resemble cows).6

Musical artists across the genres will question censorship and control over ideas and free speech. For example: