MK Ultra
by Muse

Album: The Resistance (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A fair proportion of Muse frontman Matt Bellamy's lyrics are informed by his fascination with passion surviving evil forces and this rock epic is named after the CIA's (alleged) mind control programme during the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Like several other tracks on The Resistance, shades of George Orwell's 1984 inform this song's lyrics. In this instance, like Winston Smith and Julia in the novel, a couple struggles to maintain their relationship against the pressure of the state.
  • Muse and MTV EXIT, in partnership with USAID, released a music video for this song, which highlighted the dangers and impact of human trafficking, human exploitation and trafficking especially in Asia and Pacific.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.