Meaning of "MK Ultra" by Muse

The lyrics of "MK Ultra" delve into the themes of mind control, manipulation, and the loss of personal autonomy. The reference to MK Ultra, a CIA program that aimed to explore mind control techniques, sets the backdrop for the song's concept. Muse explores the idea of a universe trapped inside a tear, suggesting a reality that is both distorted and confined. The repetitious lines emphasizing the breaking through of control and the loss of control reflect the struggle against an oppressive force. The mention of invisible walls and the deletion of history with a single stroke symbolize the erasure of individual identity and the rewriting of reality. The question of how much deception and how many lies one can endure speaks to the pervasive nature of manipulation and the increasing burden on the mind. The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency and inevitability, as the mind teeters on the edge of collapse, and control slips further away. Ultimately, "MK Ultra" represents a commentary on the dangers of systems that seek to manipulate and control individuals, leaving them without agency or freedom.