What's Up, People?!

The song 'What's Up, People?!' by Maximum The Hormone is a high-energy track that combines elements of metal and punk to deliver a message that is both aggressive and thought-provoking. The Japanese band is known for their intense musical style and often satirical lyrics that critique social norms and the status quo. The repeated phrase 'benribenri banzai' can be translated to 'convenience, hooray,' which may be a sarcastic take on society's obsession with convenience and materialism, suggesting a shallow existence devoid of deeper meaning.

The lyrics repeatedly question the meaning of life ('ikiru imi tsumaranka?') and the state of humanity ('ningen'), expressing a sense of frustration and existential dread. The use of 'biribiri' which means 'electric shock' in Japanese, could symbolize the numbing effect of modern life on individuals. The song's chorus, filled with the words 'fuanzai ippai' (full of anxiety) and 'hanzai kienai' (crime doesn't disappear), reflects a world rife with unease and perpetual wrongdoing, hinting at the band's critical view of societal issues.

The aggressive refrain 'Hey hey ningen sucker ah ningen ningen fucker' serves as a wake-up call, challenging listeners to recognize their own complacency in the face of societal problems. The song's title itself, 'What's Up, People?!' is a confrontational prompt, urging people to look around and take stock of the world's state. The band's message is clear: it's time to stop being passive and start questioning the systems and values that govern our lives.