The song "A Global Shift" by Job For A Cowboy is a heavy metal track that explores the theme of humanity's self-destructive nature. The lyrics depict a bleak view of the world, describing the protagonist's realization that they are actively contributing to the downfall of society. The opening lines suggest that the protagonist has come to a disturbing conclusion, acknowledging that they are willingly engaging in self-destructive behaviors. They metaphorically describe this as "bathing their hands with a refreshment of poison," implying that they are willingly indulging in harmful actions. The following lines reveal that the protagonist's actions are driven by a thirst for something infectious or detrimental. They are feeding their desires with substances that contribute to the breeding of foolish and ignorant people. This suggests that their actions are not only harming themselves but also perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and stupidity in society. The refrain "Lather, rinse, repeat, Gather, convince, deceit" emphasizes the repetitive nature of their actions. It suggests that they are trapped in a cycle of self-deception, continuously convincing themselves to engage in harmful behaviors. The chorus introduces the concept of a global shift, implying that the protagonist's actions are part of a larger phenomenon that is changing the world. This shift is described as happening "one gallon at a time," indicating that it is happening gradually but steadily. The lyrics then portray the consequences of this global shift. The masses are transforming into walking malignancies, representing how society is becoming infected with harmful attitudes and behaviors. The protagonist perceives others as imbecilic livestock, highlighting their belief that people are acting without thinking, leading to a decline in rationality and intelligence. The song concludes by depicting the creation of a world built on the innocent blood of blameless individuals. This suggests that the harmful actions of the protagonist and others like them are causing immense harm to innocent people, both physically and mentally. The mention of carving miles of trenches into the intellect of man symbolizes the destructive impact that ignorance and foolishness are having on humanity as a whole. Overall, "A Global Shift" is a dark and introspective song that reflects on the destructive nature of humanity and the consequences of indulging in harmful behaviors. It serves as a commentary on the negative impact that ignorance and self-deception can have on society.
