The Meaning Behind The Song “Unnatural Selection” By Muse

Muse, a globally renowned English rock band known for their unconventional style and thought-provoking lyrics, has produced a wide array of songs that have garnered attention and critical acclaim over the years. One such song, “Unnatural Selection,” is a single from their 2009 album “The Resistance.” It’s a powerful and poignant piece that has people wondering about its deeper meaning. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and what inspired Muse to create it.

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The Inspiration Behind “Unnatural Selection”

“Unnatural Selection” is a commentary on the current state of the world, taking a critical look at the way humanity is evolving. The song speaks of a society that is losing its values, where the strong oppress the weak, and the wealthy control the poor. In this world, those who don’t comply with the status quo are left behind, and the masses are manipulated by those in power.

Muse draws inspiration from the works of George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” both of which depict dystopian societies governed by authoritarian regimes. The song also draws parallels to contemporary political systems, where people are losing their agency and are becoming voiceless in the face of government policies. The title “Unnatural Selection” itself suggests that the evolution of humanity is being skewed, driven by unnatural forces and not natural selection.

The Lyrics And Their Interpretation

The song opens with a reference to the Big Brother concept in “1984,” where the state is omnipresent and is always watching – “The depths of your mind are the last place to hide.” This evokes a sense of helplessness and vulnerability, where individual agency is being eroded. The pre-chorus, “Wake the souls and hear the call, the only way to break free is to break the mold,” addresses the need to resist and break free from these constraints.

The chorus, “Our hearts make it real, this unnatural selection, our hearts make it real, this unnatural selection,” speaks of the way in which humanity is being conditioned to think and act in fixed ways, considered “natural selection” by the ruling class. Yet, at their core, people still possess the power to resist and create change.

The second verse addresses the way in which the masses are being manipulated and brainwashed by those in power. The lines “Control your delusion, insane and striking at random, victims of the modern age, feeding on self-esteem” speaks to the idea of public manipulation, where we are fed ideas that hold no real value and instead foster a sense of conformity.

Ultimately, “Unnatural Selection” is a call to break free from the constraints of a world that is increasingly controlled by artificial forces. Conformity and oppression are not the only way, and the song implies the need to approach things in a different way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What inspired the song “Unnatural Selection”?

Muse drew inspiration from dystopian novels like “1984” and “Brave New World,” as well as contemporary political systems, to create a song that speaks to the societal constraints imposed on individual agency.

What is the song about?

The song is a commentary on the current state of the world, taking a critical look at the way humanity is evolving. It speaks of a society that is losing its values, where the strong oppress the weak, and the wealthy control the poor.

What is the message behind the song “Unnatural Selection”?

The song ultimately calls for people to break free from the constraints of a world that is increasingly controlled by artificial forces and consider different approaches to the way things are. Conformity and oppression are not the only way.

What does the title “Unnatural Selection” mean?

The title suggests that the evolution of humanity is being driven by unnatural forces and not natural selection, such as the constraints imposed by society and those in power.

What literary works inspired the creation of “Unnatural Selection”?

Muse drew inspiration from George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” both of which depict dystopian societies governed by authoritarian regimes.

What is the significance of the lines “Wake the souls and hear the call, the only way to break free is to break the mold”?

The lines imply the need for resistance and breaking free from the constraints of society to achieve true individual agency.

What is the meaning behind the lyrics “Control your delusion, insane and striking at random, victims of the modern age, feeding on self-esteem”?

The lyrics address the way in which the masses are being manipulated and brainwashed by those in power, fed ideas that hold no real value and instead foster a sense of conformity.

How does “Unnatural Selection” address contemporary political systems?

The song takes a critical look at contemporary political systems, highlighting how people are losing their agency and becoming voiceless in the face of government policies.

What is the overall message that Muse is trying to convey through this song?

The song ultimately calls for people to break free from the constraints imposed on them by society and those in power, consider different approaches, and resist conformity and oppression.

What kind of impact has the song “Unnatural Selection” had on the public?

The song has been highly regarded by critics and fans alike, with many praising the thought-provoking lyrics and the band’s unconventional approach to music. It has also been successful commercially, winning awards and becoming a fan favorite over the years.

What is the significance of the repetition of the line “Our hearts make it real, this unnatural selection”?

The repetition of the line underscores the idea that at their core, people still possess the power to resist and create change, even in the face of artificial constraints.

What is the significance of the title line appearing twice in the chorus of the song?

The use of repetition in the chorus serves to emphasize the importance of the title line and how it is central to the meaning of the song.

What kind of audience is the song “Unnatural Selection” aimed at?

The song is aimed at anyone who feels constrained by societal norms and those in power, and who seeks to break free to achieve greater individual agency.

What kind of musical style can we expect from “Unnatural Selection”?

The song features Muse’s trademark unconventional style, combining elements of rock, pop, and electronic music to create a powerful and impactful sound.