The song "Power of the Media" by Howard Jones explores the influence and manipulation of the media on society. The lyrics describe how the media, whether through television, newspapers, or other forms, holds the power to shape our perception of reality. The first verse talks about how we are bombarded with information through various media channels and how it affects our lives. The line "Flasher in the living room" suggests that the media exposes us to different ideas and viewpoints, often without our control. The media is portrayed as a "guru" who controls what we see and hear. Jones questions who decides the content we consume and whether they present it in an unbiased and clear manner. He suggests that the media can intentionally blur facts or manipulate information to serve certain interests. The line "Blinding us with those facts" implies that the media can overwhelm us with information to the point where we may struggle to discern the truth. The chorus emphasizes the power that the media holds over our minds. It suggests that the media has the ability to shape our thoughts, opinions, and beliefs, hence "make up our minds" and "take down our minds." Moving on, the second verse focuses on the written media, such as newspapers and magazines. Jones criticizes the sensationalism and distortion of reality prevalent in media reporting. He suggests that the truth is often presented as stranger than fiction, and that even lies and exaggerations are sometimes employed to create a more captivating story. The line "Buy up a paper you can influence the nation" implies that the media can manipulate public opinion through their content. The third verse returns to the influence of television as a powerful medium. Jones highlights the significance of pictures and visuals in shaping our understanding of events. He questions who decides which images we see and the narrative that accompanies them. The line "Keeping people in a state of confusion" suggests that the media can intentionally create confusion or misdirection to divert attention from important issues. The references to "big brother in the city" and "nitty gritty" allude to government or other influential entities who may manipulate the media for their own agenda. Overall, "Power of the Media" conveys a sense of skepticism and caution about the information presented to us by the media. It urges listeners to be critical thinkers and not blindly accept everything they see or read. The song encourages questioning the motives and biases behind media messages in order to arrive at a more accurate understanding of the world.
