Tom MacDonald’s “Sheeple” Lyrics Meaning

Sheeple is a term that is commonly utilized by the likes of conspiracy theorists. As you can probably tell, it is a combination of the words sheep and people. What it is used to point to is a population that is so heavily indoctrinated and compliant that they do not question the status quo, even when it is one that is detrimental to their wellbeing. 

That is also the idea Tom MacDonald is getting at and more specifically the notion that the powers-that-be utilizes divide-and-conquer techniques to keep us confused and inline.

As usual, this rapper touches on so many different topics that we cannot concisely mention them all. But basically, he is criticizing the social norms of the day, many of which Tom also perceives as being hypocritical. 

Verse 1

For instance, in the first verse, he seems to find it suspicious that so many people have advocated the “defund the police” movement, even though doing so resulted in an uptick in crime. 

Moreover, he does not agree with homosexuality being forced upon us, as he apparently sees it as an effort to cause mass confusion. And he concludes the passage by criticizing the likes of celebrity culture and social-media apps, i.e. us living under a system where big business sponsors “facts” and where ‘propaganda is curated’ by algorithms.

Verse 2

In the second verse, MacDonald proceeds to present himself as someone who personally isn’t having it. He understands, in a manner of speaking, that the world is not as black and white as it may appear. 

And to further illustrate the hypocrisy of the powers-that-be, he mentions how the system propagates self-destructive behavior and low self-esteem but then turns around and mourns those who die under such circumstances.

Verse 3

Then, it is in the third verse where he really harps on the topic of divide and conquer. From his perspective, Tom believes they are dividing us in order to conquer us. Simply put, he believes “they want you dumb or dead”. 

So basically, he sees the system as one that is actually against the people. Or more particularly, the powers that be want to put us in a position where we are easier to control. And this may be through “government surveillance” or cancel culture.

Or it may be via encouraging criminal behavior so that when you are caught, your rights and freedom can be legally curtailed.

Chorus of “Sheeple”

Meanwhile, as far as the chorus goes, what the vocalist is proclaiming is that there can’t be true freedom for the masses unless the people unite. But he also recognizes that such is unlikely to happen, considering that the masses are indeed “sheeple”. 

What the designation more specifically means within the context of the chorus is that we are more interested in being entertained and going along with the flow than dealing with more pertinent matters of the day, as listed above.

Release of “Sheeple”

Tom MacDonald, who may be dubbed the most-prolific independent rapper of the early 2020s, released “Sheeple” on 14 October 2022. 

Credits

MacDonald produced this track himself, and he also co-wrote with Nova Rockafeller. 

Nova, who happens to be Tom’s lover as well as regular collaborator, also directed the track’s music video.

On which album does “Sheeple” appear?

MacDonald did come out with a studio LP earlier this year, a collaborative effort alongside Adam Calhoun titled “The Brave”. It was also his first album to appear on the Billboard 200. 

As of the release date of “Sheeple”, it wasn’t associated with any larger project.