"Society", one of the bonus tracks from Hurry Up Tomorrow, is a scathing critique of the pressures of fame, the betrayal of public perception, and the deep loneliness that comes with being in the spotlight. It carries a rebellious yet vulnerable tone, as The Weeknd wrestles with the reality of being both idolized and crucified by the world around him. The track serves as both a battle cry and a lament for authenticity in an industry and culture that only take, never give.
The Hypocrisy of Fame
Verse 1: False Love and Betrayal
They say they loved me
When they never loved before
Fame brings artificial affection—the people who never cared before suddenly claim devotion. This line captures the bitterness of realizing that public love is often conditional.
They wanna tie me
Hang me from the highest pole, you know
The stark imagery of execution (hanging from the highest pole) suggests that society is just as eager to destroy him as it is to celebrate him. This is a direct reflection of cancel culture, media scrutiny, and the fickle nature of public perception.
In a society
Where they only want your soul, your soul
The Weeknd critiques how the world—particularly the music industry—drains artists for content, performance, and spectacle without true concern for their well-being. "They only want your soul" suggests complete consumption, where fame demands everything, leaving nothing behind.
A Fight for Identity and Survival
Pre-Chorus: A Lonely Struggle
On this hill I been dyin', so I'll never stop fighting
This hill could symbolize his artistry, his values, or his personal demons—things he refuses to surrender despite the toll they take. The phrase "never stop fighting" adds a defiant tone, reinforcing his determination to stay true to himself.
'Cause nobody gonna love me more
At its core, this could mean that no one will ever love him as much as he loves himself, or that he alone is responsible for his own survival.
The Search for Truth in a World of Lies
Chorus: Exposing the Deception
I don't know what they told you
You're a victim to the lies
This line suggests that both The Weeknd and the listener have been misled by false narratives—perhaps spread by the media, society, or the people around them.
I spent my whole life to show you
That my heart beats every time
Despite everything, he still wants to prove he is real. He isn’t just a persona or a spectacle—he’s a human being, and his heart still beats despite the world trying to erase him.
I wanna show you how it feels
This repeated line implies that he wishes others could experience his reality—to understand the pain and weight that comes with his existence.
Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Exhaustion of Fame
Verse 2: The Slow Destruction
They tried to kill me
By a thousand papercuts
Death by a thousand papercuts is a metaphor for being slowly worn down by minor but constant attacks—whether from the press, fans, industry pressures, or his own internal struggles. It suggests he isn’t facing one catastrophic downfall, but rather an endless series of small betrayals and criticisms that accumulate over time.
I need you beside me (Oh-oh)
You're the only one I trust, I trust
Here, there’s a plea for loyalty—perhaps to a specific person (a lover, a friend), or to the audience that truly understands him. It suggests that despite the loneliness, there is still someone (or something) he believes in.
The Endless Cycle: A Cry for Understanding
Outro: A Final Plea
Show you how it feels
Show you how it feels, woah-oh, yeah
The song ends with a continued desire for the world to feel what he feels. The repetition of "show you how it feels" leaves the listener with an unresolved sense of longing—he wants people to understand the burden he carries, but can they ever truly?
Themes & Interpretation
- Fame as a Double-Edged Sword – The adoration of the public is shallow, and the same people who praise you will turn on you.
- Media & Industry Exploitation – The Weeknd critiques how society only takes from artists without giving them space to be human.
- Fighting for Authenticity – He refuses to be consumed or silenced, choosing to fight for his truth despite the pain.
- Isolation & Betrayal – Despite his success, he feels alone, constantly wounded by small betrayals ("a thousand papercuts").
- A Desire to be Understood – The repeated plea to "show you how it feels" suggests he wishes others could experience his reality.
Conclusion: A Powerful Rebellion Against Society’s Illusions
"Society" is a deeply personal yet universal track that speaks to anyone who has felt misunderstood, used, or betrayed. The Weeknd doesn’t just criticize the industry—he calls out the larger world for its hypocrisy, for celebrating individuals only to tear them down. The song leaves us with a powerful, lingering question: if you were in his shoes, could you survive it?
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