FAWM: "The Cruelty"

The Cruelty

Liner Notes

My orange-faced muse is at it again. The opening line just seems so apt, and the rest of the song followed from that.
I decided to not worry about production as I need to move forward and keep writing, so this is far from finished and may change a lot, so any feedback or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!!!
#pop #electronic #rock

Lyrics

The cruelty's a feature, not a bug
You can make the choice to crush the weak, or give the weak a hug
But don't claim that you're a Christian, when you see the pain and shrug
Coz the cruelty's a feature, not a bug

The cruelty, it gives this man a thrill
He's petty and vindictive, he's a grifter and a shill
But don't claim that he surprised you as you take the bitter pill
Coz the cruelty, it gives this man a thrill

You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose

The cruelty is what it's all about
You can try to look the other way, but we will call you out
Don't claim you didn't get it, didn't see the path throughout
Coz the cruelty is what it's all about

You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose

The cruelty is why you have to choose
Don't stand and watch him crush the weak, until he comes for you
Don't claim you don't know how this goes, and what you have to lose
Coz the cruelty is why you have to choose

You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose
You have to choose

© 2025

Comments

@jinx 1w

This works so well. I love the verse structure, with the longer middle lines and then the first one repeated as the last line. Also the way the instrumentals change on the chorus is great.

@heliosonorous 2w

Great track, the chorus lines and synth pair nicely and push the feeling above.

@knobbyneggins815 2w

What an opening line. Yeah. Great work, pulled me in immediately. Love the repetition. This is a perfect way to vent your anger and frustration. Love that deeper synth that comes in! Another great, topical piece.

@williamjames 2w

It is a great demo. The lyrics are really solid you could maybe expand the theme a bit in the chorus by modifying the lines slightly every time we go around, maybe? The instrumentation is nearly there some leads could be nice maybe on guitar or some synths? Maybe a solo at the end. Really solid demo, you should definitely expand on it. The comments were off on your youtube so couldn't comment there.

@billwhite51 2w

this is a nearly perfect song. the lyrics are so well written and the chorus offers no alternatives. the music chugs along like a confident little engine that could. and the vocals are sublimely understated, especially considering the intensity of the feeling within them. the structure of the song is so solid that it will withstand time and stand against any future evils that are insinuated into the world.

@ayeahmur 2w

I can absolutely see why you had to take that first line and run all the way to end with it. It's a real grabber (not in a T***p way).
Musically I really like the chorus. Once you've built it up arrangement wise it'll be colossal. Excellent stuff.