Meaning of "Who Are the Brain Police?" by The Mothers Of Invention

"Who Are the Brain Police?" by The Mothers of Invention, released in 1966, is a satirical critique of societal conformity and the manipulation of individual minds. The lyrics depict a dystopian world where the "brain police" exert control over the thoughts and actions of the people. The repeated lines of "What will you do if..." challenge the listener to consider the consequences of questioning authority and breaking free from societal norms.

The reference to melted plastic and soft chrome signifies the loss of stability and rigidity in this controlled society. Plastic and chrome are often associated with artificiality and superficiality, representing the conformity and lack of authenticity in the world depicted. If the plastic melts and the chrome softens, it suggests that the carefully constructed façade of this society is crumbling, exposing the raw truth beneath.

The line "Think I'm very tired and I'm going to die" expresses a sense of exhaustion and weariness felt by the individual within this oppressive system. It hints at the personal toll that conformity takes on an individual's spirit, leading them to a figurative death of their true self. The repetition of the line emphasizes the desperation and resignation felt by those who dare to challenge or question the brain police.

Overall, the song serves as a warning against blind conformity and urges listeners to question authority, societal norms, and the ways in which their own minds may be manipulated by external forces. It raises the fundamental questions of identity and individuality, encouraging people to resist the brain police and maintain their own thoughts and beliefs.