Obsolete

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "Obsolete" introduce a mysterious "We" that paradoxically declares itself "obsolete" while simultaneously claiming eternal existence. This entity lives "In the dawn / Where fire and darkness meet," suggesting a liminal, dangerous state of being. Despite facing an "electric chair" and death, this "We" asserts its power to "obviate the obsolete" itself, implying a cycle of destruction and rebirth it controls. The central tension lies in this defiant contradiction: how can something be obsolete yet "death denied"? The entity describes an invasive, almost parasitic power, claiming it can "Penetrate your walls and slip inside" and "split your persona." This suggests a psychological rather than physical dominance, an ability to unravel minds and take them "for a ride," hinting at a profound, unsettling influence over human consciousness. Adding layers to this enigmatic entity, the lyrics shift perspective to observe the innocent discoveries of a "boy child" and "girl child," learning "what makes life tick." Later, the "We" reveals its alien origins, having "scanned their skies / With stardust eyes" before descending to "play the clown" for humanity. This playful interaction quickly turns darker as the "We" identifies itself as "God's forgotten sons" to some, and "the Devil's wanton beasts" to others, showcasing a complex, dual nature perceived by humanity. The relentless repetition of "Obsolete" throughout the lyrics transforms the word from a statement of weakness into a powerful, almost ritualistic declaration. It's not a lament but an embrace of an existence beyond human understanding or conventional time. This entity, both ancient and ever-present, remains an unsettling force, a forgotten power that continues to observe, influence, and perhaps even manipulate the world it deems itself separate from.