Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: grindcore
Song Meaning of “Life And Death Of A Broiler” by Afgrund
The Swedish grindcore/punk band Afgrund paints a harrowing and powerful picture of institutionalized animal cruelty and the destruction of nature with their unique mix of punk, hardcore and thrash metal in the song ‘Life And Death of a Broiler’.
The song begins with a description of the abuse and neglect that global capitalist interests impose upon animals in factory farms: with overcrowding, extreme conditions and the use of growth hormones leading to an inhumane existence in which they have no freedom or control over their lives. Its lyrics speak to the darkness of global industrial animal production and how it destroys environments, species, and lives.
The energy and aggression of the song’s punk and metal elements reflects the tragedy of the animals’ plight and makes its points with the chorus chant: “The life and death of a broiler/No one will remember them/They died a thousand times over/Questioning why and how.” This speaks of the millions of animals who die in factory farms, their lives forgotten, with no one to question why the industrial machine system continues.
The song uses the musical genre to draw attention to the horrors of industrial animal production, making an emotional statement of protest against the industry’s cruelty and lack of empathy for animal life. It serves as a reminder of the ethically important choice to be aware of one’s consumption and choose a more compassionate lifestyle.