The song "Power Up" by Guttermouth is a satirical and provocative take on religious beliefs and social morality. The lyrics contain a mix of irreverent humor, criticism of societal norms, and religious references. The first verse begins with the mention of a religious experience where the face of Jesus Christ (referred to as the son of God) is said to have appeared on the narrator's tortilla. This event renews the narrator's faith and assures them that Jesus will protect them from faltering. The emphasis is on the guidance and support that Jesus provides on a spiritual journey. The second verse shifts to a confession-like approach, detailing the narrator's past actions that were seen as sinful or morally questionable. These actions include having suggestive posters, engaging in gluttony, greed, and lust, cheating on exams, and even engaging in inappropriate sexual exploration. These actions are juxtaposed with the idea that the narrator had the generosity to offer cigarettes to others. The chorus repeats the line "There's a chance that I had one," which can be interpreted in different ways. It may signify the chance of having a cigarette or indulging in sinful behavior. It can also be seen as a metaphor for taking opportunities to engage in questionable actions. The following verses continue the lyrical commentary, focusing on the contrast between the narrator's behavior and that of their friends. The narrator criticizes their former friends for their indulgent and immoral lifestyles while trying to better themselves by burning science books and abstaining from certain behaviors. The lyrics further blend humor and critique by mentioning masturbation and sexual desires with the idea that the narrator will abstain until marriage. They also address the commercialization of religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, pointing out that the true meaning of these celebrations, centered around Jesus' crucifixion, tends to get overlooked. The final verse takes a political turn, mentioning participation in a telethon and support for pro-life views. It suggests that the clinics providing abortion services should be bombed. This verse combines religious and political ideologies, highlighting the narrator's strong belief in their religious convictions and aligning themselves with a socially conservative stance. The song overall seeks to provoke the listener with its irreverence, humor, and biting social commentary. It challenges conventional religious beliefs and societal norms, often through controversial and exaggerated statements.
