The Restless Consumer - Song by Neil Young
Title relates directly to consumerism, with
the term ‘the restless consumer’ referring
perhaps to the concept of constantly and
restlessly working harder to consume more.
Josh
The first segment of the song reflects upon
Global warming and environmental impact
as a result of consumerism. For many years
after ideas surrounding global warming
The people have heard the news were released to the public, “the people”
did not believe the harsh reality of the
earth’s suffering as a result of consumerism,
The people have spoken
as they were told that in order to prevent
global warming and environmental damage,
You may not like what they said
they must reduce consumption levels.
Rushton
But they weren't joking'
This section of the song is associated with
oil consumption. As one of the most
disbursed substances on the planet,
estimated to run out in the next century,
the anthropomorphic description of oil as a
desperate female lover, suggests that oil is
being searched for frantically. In regards to
consumerism, this is a reality, as consumers
rely on oil for numerous products in their
consumerist lives.
Way out on the desert sands
Lies a desperate lover
Personification and imagery used in the
language intensifies the implications of the
lyrics
They call her the "Queen of Oil"
So much to discover
Don't need no ad machine
Telling me what I need
Don't need no Madison Avenue War
In this section, the composer refers
to advertisement, and its effects on
consumerists. The first lines connote
the cruel form of advertising used by
companies, which subliminally states
to the consumer, that they are not
acceptable in the products aspect,
and that they can only improve
themselves through the purchase of
the given product.
Don't need no more boxes I can see
The concluding line of the third stanza isCovered
a
in flags but I can't see them on TV
statement regarding overconsumption. As a
generalisation, the composer is referring to
the way in which unused products are often
stored in boxes, and hidden away to conceal
Don't need no more lies
the evidence of overconsumption. The idea
of being able to see these boxes suggests
Don't need no more lies
that one has consumed an excessive
amount of needless products.
Don't need no more lies
Don't need no more lies
The restless consumer flies
Around the world each day
With such an appetite for taste and grace
During this section the composer
gives a broad opinion on the nature
of consumerism. He explains that
consumers spend each day,
constantly and restlessly consuming
products, with an appetite. The way
he composer uses the term “flies
around the world” suggests the way
in which people are devoted
working hard so that they can
consume
People from around the world
Need someone to listen
We're starving and dying from our disease
We need your medicine
How do you pay for war
And leave us dying' ?
When you could do so much more
You're not even trying'
Don't need no TV ad
Telling' me how sick I am
Don't want to know how many people are like me
Don't need no dizziness
Don't need no nausea
Don't need no side effects like diarrhea or sexual death
Don't need no more lies
Don't need no more lies
Don't need no more lies
Don't need no more lies
The restless consumer lies
Asleep in her hotel
With such an appetite
For anything that sells
through the consumption of military needs,
and the overall effect that consumerism has
on one’s happiness and life.
a consumerist is dominated by the constant
thought of purchasing products, even during
sleep. The use of the word appetite compares
ones hunger for food, to the desire of
consuming.
Don't need no more lies.
In “The restless consumer” composer Neil Young positions the audience to view consumerism in the
reality of each of its negative aspects, socially, economically, and environmentally. It speaks little of the
positive aspects of consumerism, and therefore pitches the viewer against consumerism.