"Sabotage" is a song by John Cale, released in 1979. The lyrics portray a sense of cynicism and frustration towards various aspects of society. The song begins by acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the sweetness of love. Cale observes people running in the streets, symbolizing the fast-paced nature of modern life. He questions what these people are running from, expressing a desire to understand their motivations. The next verse shifts the focus to media and literature. Cale urges listeners to be critical of the information they consume, encouraging them to "read and destroy" everything they encounter in the press and books. He sees these sources as a waste of time, energy, paper, and ink. Cale suggests leaving behind the information found in books, labeling it as "sabotage." The song also touches upon the decline of military and human intelligence. Cale argues that neither is what it used to be, hinting at a lack of trust and competency. He mentions a rising expectation, implying that people's expectations are not being met. The line "The wards will discharge all their patients in the streets" may allude to the release of mentally ill individuals without proper support, possibly leading to harm. In the final lines, Cale repeats the word "sabotage" as a call for help or explanation. The song ends with a plea, fueled by frustration and the desire for someone to make sense of the chaos and disillusionment reflected in the lyrics. Overall, "Sabotage" is a song that criticizes various aspects of society, including the fast-paced nature of life, unreliable information sources, declining intelligence, and a general feeling of disenchantment. It expresses a yearning for understanding and a need to address the issues at hand.
