Meaning of "Electricity" by 311

The lyrics of "Electricity" by 311 convey a message of resilience and unity in the face of negativity and division. The song begins by acknowledging that it started as a response to haters, but the singer realizes that giving in to their instigation only perpetuates the cycle of negativity. Instead, the singer chooses to brush off hateful comments and not let them affect him. This can be seen in the line, "When someone steps with hate all I do is just scoff."

The song then takes a metaphoric turn, comparing the force of electricity that flows through circuits with the energy that exists within every living being. It suggests that this force, known as the soul, is what connects all life forms together. The line, "Every life form is based on this simplicity, The soul that you have is electricity," emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, despite their apparent differences.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of belief and skepticism. The singer expresses disbelief at what people are willing to believe without solid evidence. He urges listeners not to accept something until they have seen it for themselves, questioning the reliability of beliefs and advocating for critical thinking. This can be seen in the lines, "If one thing I can say as a piece of advice, Don't believe it till you see it and then see it twice."

The song concludes with a call for unity, asserting that despite differences in provinces and cities, there is a shared underlying connection between all individuals. The lyrics highlight the importance of recognizing this unity and working together for a common purpose. This can be seen in the lines, "A call out for unity, In every province and city, What do you think we've been saying, Since we first started playing."

In summary, "Electricity" by 311 promotes resilience in the face of negativity, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms, encourages skepticism in beliefs, and advocates for unity among individuals.