Aisle Of Plenty

Genesis' song 'Aisle Of Plenty' paints a vivid picture of modern consumerism and the sense of isolation that can accompany it. The lyrics open with a character named Tessa, who feels out of place, expressing her discomfort with the phrase 'I don't belong here.' This sentiment is immediately juxtaposed with the mundane reassurance of a 'safe way home,' suggesting a routine or escape from the overwhelming environment she finds herself in. The mention of a 'fine fair discount' and 'tess co-operates' hints at the transactional nature of her existence, where even her cooperation is commodified.

The song then shifts to a surreal depiction of a supermarket, listing various discounted items in a manner that feels both mundane and disorienting. The repetition of prices and products like 'English ribs of beef,' 'Peek Freans family assorted,' and 'Fairy liquid giant' creates a sense of overwhelming consumer choice, yet also a feeling of emptiness. The phrase 'Still alone in o-hell-o' cleverly plays on the word 'hello,' transforming it into 'o-hell-o,' a subtle nod to the hellish, isolating experience of modern consumer culture.

The final line, 'It's scrambled eggs,' serves as a stark, almost absurd conclusion to the list of products, emphasizing the banality and triviality of the consumer goods that dominate our lives. This line can be seen as a metaphor for the confusion and disarray in Tessa's life, where even something as simple as breakfast becomes a symbol of the fragmented, commercialized world she inhabits. Genesis uses this song to critique the superficiality of consumer culture and the isolation it can breed, wrapped in the everyday experience of a supermarket aisle.