The song "The Bank of England" by Enter Shikari explores themes of detachment, greed, and the consequences of prioritizing monetary gain over ethical considerations. In the lyrics, the narrator refuses to acknowledge the natural world around them, indicating a disconnect from the environment and an emphasis on self-contained existence. They ignore everything and solely focus on their personal gain or retention of wealth. The reference to the "invisible hand" alludes to the concept put forth by economist Adam Smith, suggesting that the economy can self-regulate without government interference. However, in this context, the phrase implies that the guiding force in economic matters has become corrupt and suffocating. The lines "They blew up the bank of England, The paper burnt for days" metaphorically describe a revolution or an act of resistance against the banking system. The destruction of the bank symbolizes a revolt against the prevailing capitalist ideologies and the paper burning represents the aftermath and chaos caused by such an event. The lyrics also highlight the dominance of greed in society, with the line "In the end, we all employ sabotage, No room for ethics now, greed is in charge." This suggests that ethical considerations and values are no longer prioritized, as the pursuit of wealth takes precedence. The repeated lines "They blew up the bank of England, The paper burnt for days" reinforce the idea of a disrupted and chaotic system, with the destruction continuing to unfold over an extended period. It further emphasizes the consequences of disregarding ethical boundaries and focusing solely on financial gain. Overall, "The Bank of England" confronts the detrimental effects of greed, detachment, and a lack of ethical responsibility in society. It criticizes the dominance of the banking system and questions the values and priorities of a society driven by monetary gain.
