Choice

Song Meaning

The lyrics for "Choice" immediately confront the listener with a stark, unsettling list of figures, from historical villains like Hitler to political heavyweights. Each is linked by merely having an "opinion too," setting a critical tone. This opening move asserts a pervasive problem with various forms of influence, regardless of their scale or perceived legitimacy. A profound emotional tension emerges from the repeated, almost mournful line: "Life imprisonment or death is no reward for love." This phrase acts as a stark moral counterpoint to the preceding lists of opinions and agendas. It suggests that all these human drives, no matter how grand or destructive, ultimately lead to profound suffering and a perversion of genuine human connection. The craft is particularly sharp in how it juxtaposes figures like Hitler and Manson with mainstream politicians such as Clinton and Limbaugh, and even government agencies. By using terms like "opinion," "agenda," and "motive" almost interchangeably, the lyrics imply a shared underlying issue. This blurring of lines suggests a fundamental flaw across vastly different contexts, from individual pathology to systemic influence. This pervasive critique fuels the narrator's fierce personal stand, articulated through repeated "I will not" statements. These lines form a powerful refusal to engage with or validate the perceived flaws of others. The blunt declaration, "I will not defend / Your right to be lame," cuts through any pretense, signaling a complete rejection of triviality or misguided beliefs. Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they build a relentless case against various forms of power and belief, culminating in a defiant personal stance. The final line, "This is America, you have the right to be wrong," lands with a heavy, perhaps ironic, weight. It acknowledges the freedom that permits such widespread "wrongness" while simultaneously highlighting the narrator's refusal to accept or participate in it.