The song "Power Company" by The Eric Burdon Band tells the story of a father who worked his whole life for a power company, sacrificing his time and energy to provide electricity to people. The song highlights the contrasting nature of the power company, who were seen as gods in their ability to bring light to the darkness, yet treated their workers as slaves. The lyrics depict the struggles faced by the father and the narrator. The father was urged to join the union to protect his rights, and this sentiment was imprinted on the narrator throughout their upbringing. The narrator, too, worked tirelessly on a production line, feeling trapped and imprisoned in the factory's monotony. The song also touches upon the economic hardships faced by the family. Despite working hard, the narrator cannot afford gas for their car, and the house is described as cold and draughty. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and a lack of prospects for the future. The focus shifts back to the father, who continues to work at the power company, finding solace in his familiar role but also feeling disconnected, as he now interacts more with computers than with people. The song criticizes the bosses who never cease their control and power over the company. Throughout the song, there is a search for freedom from the power company and its grip on people's lives. The repeated refrain of "when will you be free?" emphasizes this desire for liberation. The song urges listeners to question the power dynamics and strive for personal and collective freedom from the oppressive forces represented by the power company. In essence, "Power Company" speaks to the struggles faced by the working class, the impact of relentless labor, and the longing for freedom and autonomy in the face of oppressive systems.
