Disclaimer: These interpretations are the authors interpretations and may not necessarily align with Caleb Nutty's views.
The single "Schemes" by Caleb Nutty and Brandon Blair invites listeners into a sonic and lyrical exploration of chaos, control, and the existential struggle between the two. With its rumbling, heavy bass, siren-like melody reminiscent of an ambulance, and dense, minimal drums, the track reflects the ominous undercurrent of unpredictability that runs through life. This musical backdrop sets the stage for a philosophical inquiry into themes of egoism, nihilism, and the absurd.
The song not only challenges the illusion of control but celebrates the freedom that comes from embracing chaos. By drawing on the ideas of Nietzsche, Stirner, and Camus, the lyrics serve as a meditation on autonomy, power, and the futility of trying to impose order on a chaotic universe.
Chaos vs. Control: The Joker's Philosophy
The song begins with a sample from The Dark Knight, where the Joker outlines his rejection of schemers and their attempts to control the world:
"They’re schemers. Schemers trying to control their little worlds. I’m not a schemer. I try to show the schemers how pathetic their attempts to control things really are."
This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of chaos and unpredictability. In the film, the Joker personifies the chaotic force that seeks to dismantle systems of control. This mirrors Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch—one who transcends societal structures and embraces the will to power, living without the need for external validation or control. Nietzsche saw attempts to impose order on the chaotic world as a delusion, encouraging the individual to rise above and create personal meaning.
In "Schemes," this rejection of control serves as the foundation for the lyrics, immediately questioning the notion that anyone can truly master their environment or destiny.
Brandon Blair’s Verse: The Antagonist and the Vagabond
Brandon Blair’s opening verse brings this philosophy into sharper focus, embodying the role of an antagonist who stands outside societal norms and expectations:
"Antagonist, Mr. bag your bitch. We savages and extravagant. This lavishness is not average. We appear for a moment then we vanishing."
Here, the "antagonist" is not simply a villain but someone who disrupts the illusion of order and control. By describing himself as a figure who "appears for a moment then vanishing," there’s an acknowledgment of the transient nature of power and existence. This echoes Nietzsche’s concept of eternal recurrence, where life is an ongoing cycle of chaos, with no beginning or end. The "moment" represents a fleeting grasp on control, but ultimately, nothing remains stable.
The phrase "Mr. bag your bitch" conveys a sense of superiority and confidence, not in terms of dominance over others but in the rejection of societal standards. This rejection is further underscored in later lines:
"Battered, bloodied, no bandaging. Better get back up and abandon ship, My advantage is I don’t answer shit, a vagabond with no management."
Here, the imagery of being "battered" and "bloodied" speaks to the human condition—constantly faced with challenges, pain, and chaos. Yet, there is no need for "bandaging," no attempt to cover up or fix the wounds. Instead, the choice is to abandon ship, symbolizing the act of stepping away from the need for control or repair. This reflects the philosophy of Max Stirner and his concept of egoism, where the individual rejects societal norms, living for oneself and not answering to any external authority. The "vagabond with no management" embodies this idea perfectly—a person who is embracing chaos and rejecting control.
Caleb Nutty’s Verse: Egoism and the Absurd
Caleb Nutty’s verse brings a different flavor to the philosophical themes, offering a raw portrayal of power, individuality, and control:
"Look, everybody think they want it till they get it, I’ma handle business, I’m a motherfucking menace. I’m a motherfucking dentist, I’m pulling these teeth, Eating my flows, I’m full off the beat."
This verse speaks to Stirner’s idea of egoism as well—everyone believes they want control or power, but few understand the cost or the burden that comes with it. Caleb portrays himself as a "menace," a figure outside societal norms, who pulls teeth and exposes the uncomfortable truths others would rather avoid. The act of "pulling these teeth" suggests stripping away the masks and false constructs people cling to, much like Stirner’s call to shed societal illusions.
The following lines reflect Camus’ idea of the absurd:
"Mentality cold, I’m letting them freeze, I am so sick, it’s like a disease. Don’t get a big head like Tito Ortiz, No thanks to the blow, I’m blowing these trees."
Camus’ absurd hero understands that life is inherently meaningless, but rather than despair, the absurd hero lives fully and authentically. Caleb’s "cold mentality" signifies a detached acceptance of life’s chaos. The "sickness" he refers to is the awareness of this absurdity—recognizing that most people cling to illusions of control or meaning, but in truth, life is governed by randomness and chance. Caleb’s rejection of artificial highs ("No thanks to the blow") in favor of natural ones ("blowing these trees") echoes Camus’ call to live life on one’s own terms, free from external validation.
The Beat: Embracing Chaos and Rejecting Control
The beat of "Schemes" is as significant to its philosophical depth as the lyrics themselves. The rumbling, heavy bass creates an atmosphere of unease, a subtle yet persistent reminder of the chaotic foundation that underlies existence. This deep bass mirrors the weight of life’s absurdity—an ever-present force that cannot be ignored.
The siren-like melody, reminiscent of an ambulance, serves as a kind of warning or alarm—a reminder of the chaos and urgency that permeate life. Much like the sirens of myth that lured sailors to their doom, this melody represents the deceptive allure of control, the seductive promise that order can be imposed on chaos. Yet, just as the sirens led to destruction, the belief in control ultimately leads to disillusionment and failure.
The minimal drums, dense and weighty, add to this tension. There’s no overproduction, no attempt to smooth out the sound or provide a polished surface. Instead, the roughness and minimalism reflect the rawness of life itself. Just as the egoist or the absurd hero strips away societal illusions, the beat strips away any unnecessary embellishments, leaving only the essential elements—the sound of chaos.
Philosophical Synthesis: Beyond Schemers and Control
In "Schemes," the interplay between Caleb Nutty and Brandon Blair’s verses paints a complex picture of autonomy, control, and chaos. The song rejects the notion that life can be controlled or that anyone can truly "scheme" their way to dominance. Instead, the lyrics and beat together create a narrative that embraces chaos as a fundamental aspect of existence.
Both Nietzsche and Stirner would argue that true freedom comes from rejecting societal constraints and living authentically. Caleb Nutty’s depiction of the egoist and Brandon Blair’s portrayal of the antagonist reflect this freedom—unbound by rules, untethered by external validation, and fully present in the chaotic flow of life. Camus’ absurd hero, meanwhile, finds meaning not in control but in the act of living itself, embracing the chaos without the need for answers.
Conclusion: Chaos as Truth
"Schemes" is a song that refuses to conform to the illusion of control. Through its rumbling bass, ambulance-like siren melody, and stripped-down production, it creates a soundscape that reflects the unpredictability and rawness of life. Lyrically, both Caleb Nutty and Brandon Blair offer a powerful critique of those who cling to control, whether through societal norms, personal power, or external validation.
In rejecting these illusions, the song invites listeners to embrace chaos—not as something to be feared, but as a source of freedom and truth. Control is a fleeting, fragile construct, and in its absence, there is room for real autonomy and meaning.
"Schemes" is available for streaming everywhere along with Antagonist merch, dropping September 15th.
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