Meaning of "The Small Print" by Muse

"The Small Print" explores themes of exploitation, deception, and the superficiality of society. The opening lines immediately set the tone, with the speaker offering to fulfill people's desires while compensating for their greed. This manipulation is further emphasized by the use of broken hearts, symbolizing the emotional toll taken on those who fall prey to such tactics. The reference to selling memories for a certain price per year implies that the speaker is willing to provide only the positive aspects of life to the individual, allowing them to hold onto the good days and discard the bad. However, this transaction comes at a cost, as the speaker implies that the person will lose out on the true essence of life and become disconnected from reality.

The lyrics suggest that society as a whole is complicit in this deception. The repetition of the line "Say it'll make you insane and I'm bending the truth" highlights the pervasive nature of lies and manipulations. The blame is placed on the individuals themselves for their willingness to give in to such illusions, suggesting that they are responsible for the lives they lose as a result. The line "And you watch this space" might indicate that people are merely passive observers, choosing not to confront or challenge the falsehoods presented to them.

The mention of being a slave to the grave and God's lack of payment introduces a religious aspect to the song. The speaker positions themselves as a priest, suggesting a higher moral authority and a claim to divine insight. However, the mention of God not paying for their role as a priest implies a loss of faith in a higher power or questioning of the existence of divine intervention. This further underscores the cynicism and disillusionment present throughout the lyrics.

Overall, "The Small Print" critiques the materialistic nature of society, the exploitation of individuals' desires, and the lack of genuine care in the world. It urges listeners to question their own complicity in these systems of manipulation and to strive for a more authentic and meaningful existence.