Consume!

Consume!  is a song about rampant consumerism in the United States. Written for mezzo-soprano, electric guitar, and percussion, it takes a light approach to an undeniably dark topic—featuring sarcastic lyrics, silly ostinati, and common consumerist items used as found percussion instruments. All of this theatrical chaos is underscored by an ambient audio recording of self-checkout sounds. Enjoy (and then go home and thoughtlessly place some Amazon orders)!

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Lyrics

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Need…this!

Need…that!

Need…shit!

 

When it’s shiny and new,

Don’t know what to do!

When it’s calling my name,

It’s a feeling I can’t tame!

 

So many treats to choose!

I know I can’t lose.

So many trends to try!

Surely no one can deny…that

 

I need it! I need shit!

I need it! I need to buy it, need to try it!

Yes, I need it! 

I need all the shit I can get.

 

Saw all the aisles I could roam!

All the stuff was better than my stuff is at home!

How could I not buy each thing…

When I was convinced of the joy it’d bring?

 

Plus, I can shop on my phone!

To discover more shit to own.

Oh, and it comes straight to my door!

Convenience I can’t ignore!

 

I need it! I need shit!

I need it, yeah! I need to buy, need to everything!

I really need more and more, always need more and more shit!

Yeah, I need all the shit I can get.

 

The trends were calling out to me.

I didn’t know how to flee.

The brands were begging to be bought.

I saw an ad, and I was caught!

 

Said that it would make me look nice,

So I didn’t think twice.

Said that it would make me feel good,

So I knew that it would… 

                     that it could… 

                              should?...

 

I need it! I need shit!

I need it! I need to buy it, need to try it!

Yes, I need it! 

Really really really truly need it!

Really really truly absolutely need it!

I definitely need it!

I need it!

I always need more shit.

 

Need…this!

Need…that!

Need…shit!