Exhumed is an American death metal band known for their intense and gory lyrics. "Pay To Die" is a song from their album "Gore Metal," released in 1998. The song "Pay To Die" criticizes organized religion and the exploitative nature of institutionalized systems. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and rebellion against societal norms. The opening lines, "Pay to be born, pay to die," imply the monetary transactions that society imposes on life events such as birth and death. This could be interpreted as a critique of the commercialization and commodification of human existence. "They send you to churches and sick institutions" suggests that people are pushed towards religious institutions and healthcare systems that may not always have their best interests at heart. The line "brainless excuses for mindless abuses" implies that these institutions often manipulate and control people without offering genuine enlightenment or care. "They teach you to worship their father, their savior" refers to the enforcement of religious beliefs and the expectation to pledge allegiance to a specific deity or figure. "Follow their footsteps, broke on their doorsteps" implies that blindly following the path laid out by these institutions can lead to personal hardship and dire circumstances. Overall, the song portrays a rebellion against authority figures and criticizes the societal norms that restrict individual freedom. It highlights the band's disdain for systems that exploit and control individuals, encouraging listeners to think critically and question the status quo.
