"Brainwashed" is a song by Esham, an American rapper known for his dark and controversial style of music. The lyrics convey themes of feeling trapped, manipulated, and controlled by external forces. The song portrays a sense of despair and a desire for escape or death rather than succumbing to the pressures of society. The repeated line "I'd rather be dead than fade away" suggests a strong feeling of resistance against conformity and a preference for an alternative existence, even if it means death. The artist expresses a sense of being brainwashed on a daily basis, possibly by societal expectations, relationships, or personal experiences. In the verses, the lyrics touch on themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and trust issues. Esham describes a romantic relationship gone wrong, where a girl he once loved sleeps with one of his friends. The lyrics suggest that this betrayal has contributed to his feelings of being brainwashed and his deteriorating mental state. The artist also references Kurt Cobain, the late lead singer of the band Nirvana, who tragically took his own life. By mentioning Cobain's suicide, Esham emphasizes the extreme levels of despair he feels, echoing the notion of blowing out his own brains for some sort of release. Overall, the song "Brainwashed" reflects Esham's inner turmoil, his struggles with personal relationships, and his desire for liberation from mental and emotional suffering.
