"We Love You" is a fierce anthem that fearlessly denounces the relentless rat race. Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows unleashes lyrics that encapsulate the unyielding pursuit for power, speed, wealth, and indulgence. The song serves as a rallying cry, reminding us that we are both the architects and demolishers of our own existence. We must navigate the treacherous terrain of self-imposed expectations and societal pressures.
There you are, you've come so far
Sunny days, the air tastes so sweet, flowers greet
Birds will sing "You mean everything"
You can be anything
The intro seems to promote the idea that we possess the limitless potential to become anything we desire, but we soon learn that "We Love You" is not simply a celebration of self-empowerment, but rather a more complex exploration of the relationship between individual achievement and societal expectations.
More power
More pace
More money
More taste
The refrain delves deep into the realm of mass consumerism, a potent weapon wielded by the hands of capitalist cultural dominance. It lays bare the deceptive allure of a system that seeks to convince us of its virtue by emphasizing the pursuit of material possessions and services.
Look at the way you go
You're one in a million
And you know it shows
And we love you
Do unto the mud
Mud
The chorus echoes the cunning tactics employed by companies, proclaiming their presence as a direct result of our unwavering support. It reveals how people are easily swayed, eagerly consuming the praise bestowed upon them, turning a blind eye to the actions of corporations. The allure of recognition clouds our judgment, blinding us to the nefarious deeds carried out in the shadows.
The verses delve into the heart of capitalism's agenda, urging individuals to relentlessly pursue personal objectives, regardless of the consequences. Moreover, the lyrics expose the fallacy of free will within the confines of capitalism. They challenge the notion that we have willingly chosen this system, portraying it as a deceptive myth. By casting blame on ourselves, we are led to believe that any shortcomings or negative consequences are solely our own doing, absolving the flaws inherent in the system itself.
Musically, "We Love You" is a sonic odyssey that defies convention. Avenged Sevenfold blend gentle acoustic interludes with pulsating industrial passages, adorned with mesmerizing spoken-word vocals.
And when it comes to intensity, M. Shadows unleashes a torrent of harsh screams that are some of the band's heaviest and most extreme moments of their career.
Accompanying the song is a video crafted by the artist Ryan McKinnon. Designed with Oculus in VR and 360 on YouTube in mind, the clip starts in a tranquil oasis of nature, providing a fleeting respite before the encroaching pressures of society reveal their true weight.
Avenged Sevenfold played the song live for the first time on May 12, 2023, at AREA15 in Las Vegas. It was the band's first show it nearly five years, so the concert marked the debut of several other tracks, including
Life Is But a Dream… lead single "
Nobody."
Shadows came up with the chant in the shower. "I was like, 'More sex, more pills, more drugs, more, more.' It's everything,"
he told Metal Hammer. "Those are the simple little things that are like the 'A-ha!' moments."
Avenged Sevenfold released a new version
retitled "We Love You Moar" featuring Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova on guest vocals. Pussy Riot were among the opening acts for Avenged Sevenfold's concert at New York's Madison Square Garden in June 2023.
