System - Intellectual

In the “Stunnin’” Genius interview, Curtis says that he is a socialist. In this line he’s portraying how Capitalism only benefits the rich and leaves the poor in inhumane situations.

Capitalism is a machine wherein labourers are not granted their own autonomy. Working class individuals are reduced to mere objects that can be replaced at any time by another, more desperate individual.

Most likely in reference to police violence. “They do not want us to breathe” can be interpreted as an allusion to the slogan popularized by the BLM movement in 2014 after the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the NYPD.

Garner was an unarmed, black man who’s last words were “I can’t breathe”. These words were said while officer Daniel Pantaleo had him pinned to the ground in a choke hold.

Garner’s death sparked widespread protests in the US particularly focused on police brutality and racial inequality.

As of 2020, the New York Time reports that the phrase “I can’t breathe” has been said by over 70 people who have died in police custody in the United States.

In this line Curtis is trying to reflect the condition of his motherland “Nepal”, where corruption and political instability are some of the major problems.

Humans are not meant to be sold. This line rejects the objectification the capitalist machine attempts to impose on its workers.

In an interview, Curtis says that this portion of the song was inspired by the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed.

The “Pigs” is referencing Police Officers and the “System” is the corrupt government.

The singer is criticizing the capitalist mentality where we are taught to prioritize money/wealth over our own self (soul). We are told that wealth is the dream and are discouraged from thinking critically about the cost we pay to obtain the dream we are sold.

Curtis is challenging and changing the music industry by remaining an independent artist. His success had given many artists hope that they could be successful without a major music label controlling them.

The “System” could mean the music industry