Screwed (feat. Zoë Kravitz)

Janelle Monáe's song "Screwed (feat. Zoë Kravitz)" is a powerful anthem that captures the chaotic and tumultuous state of the world, blending themes of rebellion, resilience, and the pursuit of pleasure amidst adversity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a society overwhelmed by media, control, and the loss of individuality. Monáe's opening lines, "I live my life in a magazine / I live my life on a TV screen," reflect the pervasive influence of media and the superficiality it imposes on personal identity.

The recurring chorus, "We're all screwed," serves as a stark acknowledgment of the dire circumstances faced by the world, with sirens and bombs symbolizing the constant threats and crises. Yet, amidst this chaos, Monáe and Kravitz advocate for a form of rebellion through pleasure and defiance. The phrase "Let's get screwed" is a double entendre, suggesting both a sense of being doomed and a call to embrace hedonism as a form of resistance. This duality is further emphasized in lines like "You fucked the world up now, we'll fuck it all back down," which highlight a desire to reclaim agency and disrupt the status quo.

Monáe's verse, "See, if everything is sex / Except sex, which is power," delves into the complex interplay between sex and power, critiquing societal norms and the exploitation inherent in power dynamics. The song also touches on contemporary issues such as gender inequality, fake news, and political corruption, as seen in the lines, "Hundred men telling me cover up my areolas / While they blocking equal pay, sippin' on they Coca Colas." This critique is a call to action, urging listeners to question who holds power and how it is wielded.

"Screwed" is not just a song; it's a manifesto for a generation grappling with a fractured world. It encourages listeners to find strength in unity, to challenge oppressive systems, and to find joy and solidarity even in the face of adversity. Monáe and Kravitz's collaboration is a testament to the power of music as a tool for social commentary and change.