Poll

Song Meaning

“Poll” isn't a song in the traditional sense; it's a jarring collage of voices and sounds. The piece opens with a sharp music critique, quickly escalating into a series of disconnected, often provocative, statements. A sudden "gunshot" shatters the casual banter, introducing an immediate sense of unease. This fragmented soundscape creates a disorienting, almost chaotic, atmosphere. The lyrics present a world brimming with strong, often cynical, opinions. Characters like "Man Being Interviewed #2" paint a bleak picture, declaring the world "full of skunk bait" and basing the economy on it. This deep-seated negativity is amplified by the rapid-fire succession of voices, each offering a distinct, often unsettling, perspective. The abrupt shifts from a warning about "cripples" to a legalistic claim about "civil rights" highlight a societal friction where personal slights are inflated into grand injustices. The true genius of "Poll" lies in its masterful use of sound effects to punctuate and disrupt the dialogue. A simple "gasp" or "laughing" can shift the mood, but the "gunshot" is a visceral shock, abruptly halting the conversation and injecting a chilling reality. Later, an "evil laugh," followed by a rhythmic "heartbeat" and a "door creaking," builds a palpable sense of suspense and dread. These non-verbal cues transform a collection of sound bites into a mini-drama, suggesting a sinister undercurrent beneath the surface chatter. Ultimately, "Poll" is effective because it refuses easy answers or a coherent narrative. By presenting a cacophony of voices — from a dismissive critic to a cynical economist to a pragmatic, almost menacing, advisor ("Nobody lends money to a man with a sense of humour") — the piece immerses the listener in a disorienting, critical snapshot of society.