"Compliance..."

I loved 1984. I think it was my first real experience with dystopian literature and worlds. I think there’s something in those things that get written, or filmed that we go on to consume that make us believe their fantastical and gold for the world we live in, but if they’re really good then there’s something about them that make us just a little bit afraid of what could be…
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Muse used 1984 style vibes and influences in their 2009 album “The Resistance”, and I loved it.

One thing I’ve always appreciated about them as a band it their ability to make new and different music every album, and so when I first heard “Compliance” I was a little bit disappointed as it felt like I had heard it before, but then I remembered how much I loved “The Resistance” as an album, and it was fine!

But I listened to it and then started listening to “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Testaments”, and the combination is scary.
I wonder how close we could be in places in the world to dystopian realities rather than fantasies, and how we might be sold them in line with the idea of religion or freedom…

I wonder how many of us would fall foul to a proposed regime that offered us “no pain any more”, or promises that we “won’t feel lost any more”?
That we won’t be burdened by choice, that we’ll be protected, not rejected, the hurt will be taken away and someone else will give us what’s best for us?
What would we say to the offer of not having to fear any more, and that we can be saved, and all we need to do is show compliance?

The sad reality is that for years that’s been the party line in Christian rhetoric in many places.

It’s a struggle, but I think we need to show some defiance and resilience and keep going with the pain and the lost-ness, the choice and the fear, and to maintain our freedom rather than choosing the compliance sung about here.

God is about choice and freedom, both “His” and ours, and about the liberation of others too. It’s in choosing that life that we find ourselves being saved.

Lyrics:

Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Just give us your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Fall into line, you will do as you're told
No choice fatigue, your blood is running cold
We lose control, the world will fall apart
Love of your life will mend your broken heart
Life lived in fear, you need protection
You're all alone, too much rejection
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
We just need your compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Cover your tracks, we know what's best for you
You've bitten off much more than you can chew
You're running scared, you'll run into our arms
Come join our clique, we'll keep you safe from harm
Our toy soldier, you'll do the dirty work
Stay loyal to us, we'll take away the hurt
We have what you need, just reach out and touch
We can save you (we can save you)
Just give us your compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
No more defiance
Just give us your compliance
Ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, oh-oh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh
(We can save you, save you)
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
We just need your compliance
We won't let you feel lost anymore
No more self-reliance
Compliance
We just need your compliance
You will feel no pain anymore
And no more defiance
We just need your compliance
Oh, fear is controlling you
It's time to give it up
And give in to us (we can save you, save you)
Give us your compliance