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Controlling People Through Language

Controlling People Through Language

Ian Brown F.E.A.R. (2001)

For each a road

For everyman a religion

Find everybody and rule

For everything and rumble

Forget everything and remember

For everything a reason

Well, do you notice anything? All of these lines are acrostics for the word "fear." Written by Ian Brown and inspired by The Autobiography of Malcolm X, the song reflects the book’s emphasis on studying etymology to gain "control over people through the use of language."

A deeply political track, “F.E.A.R.” feels more relevant today than ever. Released in 2001 as the lead single from Brown’s third solo album, it cemented his success beyond his role as the frontman of The Stone Roses, the band that secured his place in (British) music history.

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