Meaning of "Subtraction" by Sepultura

The lyrics of "Subtraction" by Sepultura paint a bleak picture of a world consumed by fear, repression, and uncertainty. The first generation born into this plagued society is burdened with the task of finding a cure for the collective madness. Powerful nations manipulate their citizens through fear and control, turning them into cowardly beings willing to sacrifice their individuality for a false sense of safety. The song speaks to the erasure of personal identity within a dehumanizing system, where history is forgotten, and the future is feared. As confusion and chaos reign, the search for self-understanding becomes the only semblance of hope in a world devoid of meaning. Ultimately, the lyrics challenge listeners to look beyond the societal constructs that seek to diminish individuality and find purpose in understanding oneself amidst the chaos of the world.