Annotations for Defector

Lyric: We look for strength and assistance
 Confident that with your help
 Man will be what he was born to be:
 Free and independent
Annotation:
Continuing from the  previous track, this line is a  JFK quote. This line was split off from the rest of the speech to emphasise the point of Defector – “Man will be what he was born to be: Free and independent.”

Lyric: I’m a defector
Annotation:
Confidence is about positive self-talk. Merely repeating that she is a defector, the protagonist can become stronger. By boldly stating her truth, the protagonist is convincing her conscious self of her strength and position.  Be careful how you are talking to yourself because you are listening.“ -Lisa M Hayes

Lyric: You think you’re strong and you can’t be broken
Annotation:
The protagonist is biding her time and taking in as many observations as she can with regards to the antagonist. The paramount observation being the antagonist’s overconfidence and underestimation of the protagonist. One of the most classic literary references of this situation is in  Lord of the Rings. Sauron believes himself to be an unstoppable, formidable force and is defeated by the most unlikely of heroes, Frodo Baggins.

Lyric: You believe your throne is too high
 To be overthrown, we’ll watch it get razed by a defector
Annotation:
When an antagonist becomes complacent it creates a kink in the chain of power. A defector can spot the kink, and use it to their advantage. Over confidence will lead to destruction.

Lyric: But your empire is dissolving
 You thought, you thought I was weak
 But you got it wrong, look into my eyes, I’m a defector
Annotation:
Divergent thinking can crumble that which is perceived to be stable.  http://youtu.be/Oz4a3wOPFTY https://genius.com/Veronica-roth-divergent-chapter-3-annotated

Lyric: Your blood is blue and your mind’s turned green
Annotation:
A  blue blood is an individual of noble birth. However, having such a blood line does not ensure any status or merit therein. The expression ‘green mind’ is most likely a reference to the colour of American bills, alluding to greed for power and wealth. Moreover, when one is ‘ green with envy’ it means that they are jealous. This could be a reference to the petty and superficial nature of the modern world. It could also be mentioning the ‘ reptilian brain’, since that’s the part of the brain associated with basic survival instincts, thus implying a critic towards a ‘primitive’ nature of the ones in power. Despite its scientific basis, the term ‘reptilian brain’ itself can also recall some known conspiracy theories about so called Reptilian hybrids  in powerful positions in society: theories Matt sure  isn’t unfamiliar with. Curiously, ‘green mind’ is also Philippine slang for someone who thinks compulsively erotic thoughts. This could possibly be a reference to overly sexual character of the modern pop-culture. In any case, the aim of this line is to paint a contradiction between noble descent and current vicious tendencies of the powerful.

Lyric: And your belly is all yellow
Annotation:
To be yellow-bellied means to be a coward or easily scared. According to the protagonist, the ruling elites on the “throne too high to be overthrown” are a bunch of cowards.

Lyric: Free, yeah I’m free
 From society
 You can’t control me
 I’m a defector
Annotation:
In politics, a  defector is a person who gives up allegiance to one state in exchange for allegiance to another, in a way which is considered illegitimate by the first state. More broadly, it involves abandoning a person, cause or doctrine to which one is bound by some tie, as of allegiance or duty. Mary is a defector, she doesn’t adhere to any kind of politics and prefers to assure her freedom.

Lyric: Free, yeah, I’m free
 From your ins-ins-inciting
 You can’t brainwash me
 You’ve got a problem
Annotation:
In the plot line of the concept album,  Drones, the protagonist has now escaped from the brainwashing committed by the Sergeant in the song  “Psycho”. She now thinks for herself and pays attention to the world around her, unlike the unthinking masses who allow their governments and corporations to do whatever they please.

