Altering the Future

Song Meaning

The lyrics grapple with the profound and often grim act of taking life, framing it as a means to control fate and alter the future. The opening verses present a stark dilemma: is it better to create a life only to destroy it, or to be born into a world where crime is the only path to survival? This sets a tone of existential dread, questioning the very value of existence when faced with such bleak possibilities. The narrator appears to see life and death as interchangeable commodities, easily given and taken. The central tension lies in the justification and agency behind these life-altering decisions. The lyrics pose the question of "Whose choice will it be?" regarding the "giving and taking of life," suggesting a struggle with responsibility and consequence. This is directly addressed in the chorus, which juxtaposes "Abortion / When it is needed" with "Execution / For those who deserve it," presenting a utilitarian view where life is terminated based on perceived necessity or justice. The phrase "Altering the future" acts as a recurring motif, underscoring the belief that these actions, however morally complex, are deliberate attempts to shape what is to come. The most striking aspect of the writing is its blunt, almost clinical presentation of deeply sensitive topics. The lyrics don't shy away from the controversial, directly linking abortion and execution as parallel acts of "giving and taking." The bridge reinforces this theme of control, stating "Controlling our existence / With every life we take," which implies a god-like, albeit dark, power. Later verses critique the perceived loopholes in the justice system, lamenting how laws can "help their escape" and how people are "stupid enough to believe them," further solidifying the narrator's desire for a more absolute, perhaps even retributive, form of control over life and death. Ultimately, these lyrics are effective because they force the listener to confront uncomfortable questions about agency, justice, and the perceived necessity of ending life to manage societal or personal futures. The stark, declarative language and the direct pairing of abortion with execution create a provocative and unsettling commentary on the power dynamics inherent in such decisions. The repeated idea of "altering the future" suggests a worldview where such drastic measures are seen not as tragic necessities, but as tools for shaping destiny.