Meaning of "Sell Or Be Sold" by Minutemen

The lyrics of "Sell Or Be Sold" by Minutemen tackle the idea of capitalism and the constant pressure to engage in transactions and negotiations in order to survive in a competitive world. The notion of a model being created with various components like ideas, emotions, logic, and substance reflects the strategic planning and calculated decision-making required in a market-driven society. The repetition of the phrase "sell or be sold" reinforces the idea that individuals are constantly in a position where they must either actively participate in selling themselves or their ideas, or risk being taken advantage of and consumed by others. The final line, "It's what you'll hold," suggests that individuals are forced to cling onto this mentality as a means of survival, highlighting the pervasive nature of this mindset in modern society.