The song Lies and the song Political Guys both explore the privileged and pervasive role that lies, deception and misrepresentation play in modern society. Early in Lies the singer notes that “the lurking shadow increases power as lies become a way of life”. Every lie hides the truth and creates a shadow making it hard for us to see the world and ourselves accurately.

The singer’s fear and anxiety is heightened by the disorienting effect caused by lies and deception, even when they are done out of kindness or politeness. When your friends compliment the meal you serve them can you trust that they actually enjoyed it, or are they just wanting to be nice? Are they going to dread having that meal again when you take them on their word and make it for them the next time they come over?

Towards the end of the song the singer gives a list of different kinds and areas of lies that barely scratches the surface,

“Lies in the dream, lies on the screen, lies of hope, lies to cope
Medical lies, spiritual lies, lies of passion, lies in fashion
Lies on the job, lies to the mob, lies to fool lies to rule
Ooh, lies, success they say has its price, ooh, lies, you get nowhere by being nice
Political lies, steals the truth from our minds, historical lies says we deceive to survive”

Lies and deception are accepted and expected elements in even the most important events. In a court case where the truth should be essential to make sure that justice is served and done so in a way which protects the freedom of individuals and the safety of society, lies and deception are expected, encouraged and rewarded. Even though we swear to tell the whole truth, we are more often than not forbidden to by being forced to answer yes and no questions which at best cloud or limit the truth, and often give off an entirely deceptive perception of people, their character and their actions.

Justice can, could and should be about both sides trying to get to the truth of what happened. The defense shouldn’t be about hiding guilt that happened, but more about presenting mitigating circumstances, finding a fitting sentence with the best chance of restitution and rehabilitation when their client is guilty. Defending the guilty through deception only encourages additional crimes by the perpetrator fueling their righteous denial and making any substantial rehabilitation less likely. How can one admire a prosecutor who intentionally gets an innocent man convicted of a crime he didn’t commit needlessly depriving him of his freedom and casting lasting doubt on his character?

Maybe the singer is not always truthful and therefore is in error when he says, “Lies, lies everybody lies, Lies, lies why can’t I?” Yet, his awareness of the harms caused by dishonesty, deception, deceit and falsehoods motivates him to try his best to be honest at all times and to clear up any misperceptions for which he may be responsible. Even though he understands the potential benefits of lying and the social pressure to play the game, he is resolved to treat others the way he hopes they will treat him. While the truth sometimes hurts it seldom comes anywhere near the pain and devastation of betrayal.