The Benevolent Dictator
by @andybalham
Liner Notes
I thought that the idea of preferring a dictator to democracy was an idea only put forward by tech bros, but apparently not. According to a YouGov poll, it would seem that 20% of Britons would prefer a dictator to having a say in things: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jan/12/one-in-five-britons-aged-18-45-prefer-unelected-leaders-to-democracy-poll-finds
Lyrics
Imagine the inefficiency The lack of productivity If workers were allowed to be Involved in company policy
How would we ever get things done If companies held elections So time for countries to be run By the hand of the chosen one
[Chorus] All hail our dictator His benevolence shines so bright The great decision maker Trust in him to do what’s right
Society can accelerate With no electoral handbrake Regulations set ablaze Efficiency unconstrained
Ideas finally unleashed In a free-market wet dream By the tech ruling elite And no one can disagree
[Chorus]
Now there might be some dissenters Some may yearn to have a say Time for some re-education In a quiet faraway place
Comments
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Fantastic social commentary... with a grimy, glorious rock groove! Loving this!!
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I really wish this wasn't so prescient at the moment... And I hope that a few of those poll respondents, hearing the lyrics spelled out thus, would realize just what it was they were saying...
Anyway, fantastic, blistering rock arrangement. The guitar counter-melody is a delicious icing on the cake, and the way it shepherds the transition to the half-time bit was a masterful stroke. Bravo!
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We love the apocalyptic sarcasm in the lyrics - what a miserable state of affairs... classic rock sounds, the wailing lead guitar is really strong against the distorted rhythm guitar and the chorus on the vocal works perfectly. Put us in mind of early U2.
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Very rockin’! When I first heard this sentiment expressed by a member of the silent generation it absolutely floored me. Thanks for writing this!