Names of the Chains

Look at us, all locked up: we are all in a row!

Look at us all shopped up: we are in the mall, uh oh!

I’ll take another, take a t-shirt or a sweater and so?

So what if these are not our own names

emblazoned on our own breast, no:

 

They are the names of the chains, they are the names of the chains

They are the names of the chains we wear

What kind of choice is a mall full of chains?

What kind of choice in truth remains?

What kind of choice is all owned by the same,

The same few names: make every town look the same

 

They are the names of the chains, they are the names of the chains

They are the names of the chains we wear

 

What genius thought of this? How did it come to this?

Slap another name on another empty chest! Oh chains.

 

I make a proud display, it was my choice to pay

I endorse them for free, and all my friends will see

And they will want the same chains as me

 

They are the names of the chains, they are the names of the chains

They are the names of the chains we wear

 

Do we believe? Do we believe that sales are what will save us,

that freedom lies in what we can buy: another vicious cycle that is never satisfied

 

They are the names of the chains, they are the names of the chains

They are the names of the chains we wear

 

They are the names of the chains, they are the names of the chains

They are the names of the chains we wear

 

c  evalyn parry SOCAN 2011