The song "The Only Baby" by John Grant seems to be a provocative and sarcastic critique of colonization, imperialism, and the negative impact of capitalism on society. The lyrics describe the actions and mentality of those who believe in exploiting and dominating others for their own gain. The song begins by portraying the ambition and arrogance of those who venture into new lands, colonizing and spreading their influence. They seek to conquer and take whatever they desire by force. They believe they are superior and aim to control and dominate others, even imposing their education and stripping the land of its resources. The lyrics then mention the desire for slaves to serve their purposes, treating them as mere objects and forcing them into submission. They manipulate and control these individuals, blaming them for their own suffering, while using addiction and sugarcoating tactics to maintain control. The song also criticizes the role of religion in justifying these actions, suggesting that some diseases are seen as punishments from God, while others are blamed on an unknown "other guy." It mocks the idea that the economy is a deity to which people are enslaved, and questions the destructive consequences of valuing imaginary numbers over human lives. As the song progresses, it reflects on the materialistic and consumerist nature of modern society, where possessions like cars, milk frothers, and books from self-help authors become the focus. The speaker acknowledges that despite everything, they believe it was all worth it. The repeated line, "That's the only baby that bitch could have," is open to interpretation. It could be seen as a metaphor for the limited possibilities or choices of an individual or a society that has been controlled and oppressed. It could also represent the idea that the consequences of the actions described in the song are inevitable and irreparable. Overall, "The Only Baby" seems to convey a message of disillusionment and criticism towards the destructive nature of colonization, exploitation, capitalism, and materialism. It highlights the negative impact on individuals and society, challenging the listener to reflect on these issues.
