Meaning of "Keep on Rotting in the Free World" by Carcass

"Keep on Rotting in the Free World" is a scathing critique of the state of the western free world and the illusion of freedom it presents. The lyrics highlight the unraveling of the global social fabric and the declining role of the west. While we are encouraged to believe in our freedom to consume, the song suggests that our existence is hollow and our dreams are ultimately futile.

The lyrics touch upon the exploitation that underpins our consumer society. The reference to economic salvation in sweatshops in the east brings attention to the reality of cheap labor and the unethical practices that drive our economy. The act of consumption, the song implies, makes us complicit in the exploitation of others, reducing human lives to mere commodities. The line "Consumer or consumed, your life is cheap" reflects this notion, emphasizing how our lives are devalued in this system.

The juxtaposition of "keep on rotting" and "keep on dreaming" suggests a sense of hopelessness and resignation. While we may continue to hope and dream of a better world, the reality of the "real world" is one of decay and despair. The repetition of the phrase "keep on rotting, keep on hoping, keep on dreaming" throughout the song underscores this message, reinforcing the idea that we are trapped in a cycle of decay and false hope.

The overall meaning of the song is a call to confront the contradictions and injustices within the system that purports to offer us freedom. It urges listeners to recognize the consequences of our consumer-driven society and to strive for a world where true freedom and equality can be achieved.