Neocolonialism is a serpentine political agenda that aims at controlling undeveloped nations, or a former colony, through vicious motives. It takes the form of many different types, which range from economic imperialism, globalization, cultural imperialism, and conditional aid. Discussing such an important topic is Norwegian band, Tidal Water in their latest single “Neocolonial Hand”.
Fronted by Martin Hovden, who wrote the track. The intro immediately dives into the topic with lyrics like “Dressed as their friend, we extend a hand,” which describes how neocolonialism can be disguised as an extended hand when in reality, the actions are exploitative and manipulative, serving a darker purpose.
The first verse discusses the unjust extraction of resources, which has the developing countries fall under the mercy of the “modern economics” of other developed countries. Lyrics like “The cycle of take, their futures at stake,” point towards just how seriously dangerous the cycle is.
As for the chorus, lyrics like “Beyond the market’s veiled sight. In shadows, we incite a fight,” showcase the hidden ways established to control and direct certain nations with obvious means of manipulation. “Warlords move at our command, chess pieces on their own land,” compares this toxic relationship to a game of chess.
The bridge blames the World Bank for trapping countries in debt, “Through the World Bank’s door, their futures we store. In the vault of the West, their riches we vest, forevermore.” and the outro signs off the song by exposing the concealed price of common products like coffee and cocoa, which compares between the hardship that those who produce the goods go through, and the end result that consumers buy without knowing the full story.
“Neocolonial Hand” is a compelling and deeply reflective song that critiques the ongoing exploitation of former colonies through modern economic and political tactics,” shared frontman Hovden. “The song captures the disguised nature of neocolonialism—masked as trade, aid, and diplomacy— and emphasizes how developed nations continue to extract resources and control the futures of developing countries under a facade of benevolence.”
Carrying an incredible message through the powerful lyrics, the song dives deep into the topic of neocolonialism by highlighting the exploitative cycles that the Western world uses in order to extract resources through political intervention, loans, and trade. The many types of neocolonialism are showcased in the song with specific examples that paint the perfect picture of what it means to be taken advantage of.
Hovden dedicates this song to a Danish filmmaker called Mads Brügger, whose documentary “The Ambassador” played a big role in exposing the exploitation in Africa and inspired Hovden to write the song “Neocolonial Hand”. The release of the song, which is the fifth single from their debut album “Polarity”, marks a turning point in the band’s career that might go as far as changing the world through its elaborate awakening lyrics.
Stream the song on October 10th once it’s released here
