Corporate Cannibal

Grace Jones' song 'Corporate Cannibal' is a scathing critique of corporate greed and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a predatory corporate entity that consumes everything in its path, likening itself to a 'man-eating machine.' This metaphor underscores the ruthless and insatiable nature of corporate power, which treats people as mere resources to be exploited for profit.

The song's protagonist, the 'corporate cannibal,' is depicted as a 'digital criminal' and 'legalized criminal,' highlighting the paradox of how corporate malfeasance is often sanctioned by law. The lyrics 'I’ll consume my consumers with no sense of humour' and 'I’ll give you a uniform, chloroform' suggest a systematic stripping away of individuality and autonomy, reducing people to mere cogs in the corporate machine. The use of words like 'mechanical,' 'masonical,' and 'chemical' further emphasizes the cold, calculated, and almost ritualistic nature of this exploitation.

Jones also touches on the broader societal implications of this corporate dominance. Lines like 'We can play the money game, greed game, power game, stay insane' and 'slave to the rhythm of the corporate prison' suggest that society is trapped in a cycle of greed and power that is difficult to escape. The imagery of a 'closet full of faceless nameless pay-more-for-less emptiness' speaks to the hollow promises of consumerism, where people are constantly encouraged to buy more but end up feeling less fulfilled. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the moral and ethical decay brought about by unchecked corporate power, urging listeners to reflect on the true cost of their participation in this system.