The song "El-Oh-Vee-Ee" by The Used criticizes the greed, materialism, and corruption that exist in society. The lyrics depict a narrative where individuals and institutions prioritize their own wealth and power over genuine love and empathy for others. The opening lines suggest that those in power are consumed by their own desires, stuffing their pockets and mouths with material possessions and money. The line "Your bloated god your bank account, your empathy's fleeting" implies that these individuals prioritize their own wealth and success over caring for others or having genuine empathy. The lyrics suggest that these individuals believe they have found the answers to life's problems and have bought into the truth. However, they are never satisfied and always want more. The line "Now that you own the cure, you bought the truth, still you want more" emphasizes this insatiable desire for power and wealth. The chorus, with the repetition of "El-Oh-Vee-Ee, love," suggests that the only thing that truly matters is love and compassion. The song implies that material possessions, money, and power are superficial and insignificant compared to the importance of love and empathy. As the song continues, it criticizes the actions of those in power. The lyrics mention the destruction caused by their greed, saying "Take more and repeat it, stockpiled possessions watch them burn." This line suggests that the accumulation of material possessions eventually leads to ruin. The lyrics also highlight various issues such as the exploitation of others, the control exerted by religion, and the negative effects of capitalism. The lines "You've got your slave trade of prostitution, you've got your green god" criticize the exploitation and objectification of individuals for profit. The song suggests that these issues persist despite the accumulation of wealth, power, and control. The overall message of the song can be interpreted as a plea for love and empathy to prevail over greed and materialism. It challenges the listener to question societal values and consider the importance of compassion and care for others in a world driven by profit and self-interest.
